It was night, by Coruscant time. The warship that floated in space was on its third shift, the captain asleep. The third shift was always the least experienced and the undermanned watch for almost every Military doctrine in the known galaxy and all its history. It just wasn't possible to keep the best and brightest at stations forever, there had to be replacements, a change. So at this time, the third shift was on duty, relaxed and waiting for relief so that they might go to sleep.
That was when the trouble began. Like a wraith another Star Destroyer appeared. It was not painted the standard battleship grey, but rather blotched with different shades of green. As if someone had tried to make the large craft camouflaged for a forest environment, but garishly neon instead of dull.
The color of the hull was soon matched by the bolts of light and energy that shot forth from its turrets, wreaking havoc on the shields of the third shift crewed craft nearby. The element of surprise was complete, entirely present. The first destroyer stood no chance. With an undermanned crew, its officers groggy from sleep, pitted against a first shift crewed vessel that came from nowhere, they had no odds that even a Corellian would consider betting on.
The Star Destroyer was ripped apart, its crew dispersed into the cruel, cold vacuum of space, lost to all sentient species forever. An emergency transponder was the only survivor, relentlessly sending out its calls for attention on every frequency known to be used, blasting away at the atoms that hung in space.
It would be eight more hours before something was thought to be wrong. The ship hadn't reported in, but it could be a comm malfunction, they'd send a courier instead. But that did not happen. Only then was the alarm sounded, the regretful holocomm sent to the Office of the Supreme Commander. That a Star Destroyer of the Sith Imperial Navy had been lost, presumed destroyed by some malicious group.
Supreme Commander Alor
The MAZ HQ was nowhere to be if one did not know their job, especially right now. Everyone was busy with something that they knew had to be done by them and them alone. Data screens were brightly lit with information on logistics, locations, crews, and orders for the millions of craft that operated under the name of the Sith Imperial Navy. While more screens on the other half of the main room were alight with information regarding the Sith Imperial Army.
"Officer on deck." The call from the Sentry Officer that was in charge of the guards of the door, who was already stiffened, straight backed at attention, his right hand in a salute.
The entire room rose as one and saluted as the Supreme Commander entered the room. He returned the salute and then waved them down.
"No matter how many times I tell you not to, you just don't listen." He muttered to the Sentry Officer. "They're work is too important to interrupt just because I enter the room." Moving further into the room, he stopped at the Duty Officer's station to receive an update.
"We still have no contact from the Imperious. But we have picked up faint signals from its beacon, reasoning that it is destroyed. Also, the Determination has also stopped responding to our calls."
Just as Lord Marix was about to reply, the Communications desk was surrounded by more activity than there already had been. "Lord Marix, your presence is requested." So instead he headed over to Comm.
"Supreme Commander Marix." The voice from the desk spat, sounding fizzy from its journey through voice scrubbers and relays to hide the identity and location. "I'm sure you wish to know who I am, but you will know when you need to know. I have, however taken over the Determination and have already destroyed the Imperious. Surprise!" And with that the connection went dead.
"Trace that." Was Marix's only order. He knew it would be hopeless, but he still wanted it done, just in case the hijacker had gotten a lucky break. "Send out a call to these Sith." He ordered Comm, passing over a datacard that held the names, comms, and locations of several Sith. Tell them I require their services and their silence. They are to meet me within the MAZ at coordinates that will only be sent once they confirm the request with the proper codes." More data was transferred.
"Turning to Operations, he asked for a Guardian, 2 Venators, and 2 Gladiator-Class Star Destroyers to be ordered under his express command and to head to coordinates in the MAZ, far from any nearby planet or space station. There the Sith would be meeting him.
With that, he was on his way back to his cabin to quickly grab the needed items and be on the next Armed Shuttle to the nearest craft that was under his express command. The 501st not be pleased.
High Mage Serratus
Darth Serratus was engaged in an activity that he was not well-known for; relaxation. He was lying in a reclining chair in the garden of his home on Tepasi when his comlink started beeping. Three letters flashed in bright red.
MAZ
Blinking with suprise, Serratus answered the call.
"This is High Mage Serratus of the Order of Sith Mages, Moff of Tatooine. How did you get this number?"
He already knew the answer to this question but he wanted to check the honesty of the speaker.
"Master Serratus, Lord Marix-"
Serratus nodded.
"-requests your services in a very delicate matter currently affecting the Military. Do you accept the request?"
Vagueness of the highest order. As one could only expect of the Military.
"Of course, anything for Lord Marix."
A stream of co-ordinates were sent to Serratus's comlink.
"Please make haste immediately to these co-ordinates."
Serratus hung up and started walking towards the hangar of the manor. On his way, he called his secretary, Ida.
"Ida, cancel my meetings with the Moffs of Korriban and Vjun and send a message to Darths Dorian and Tao telling them to write up the report on the Ancient Abyss of Felucia."
Serratus hopped into the Space Dragon when he reached the hangar and set off for the co-ordinates he had been given.
Many hours later...
Serratus exited hyperspace and saw that he was not alone in his location. Five Star Destroyers were also present. Serratus hailed the Guardian-class.
"This is High Mage Serratus, requesting permission to land in your hangar."
There were a couple of minutes of silence before a response was given.
"Permission granted."
Marius Praxeum
((Thanks to Supreme Commander Marix for his clarification on the sizes and names. Just trying to fill in my Military background.))
It was 1300 Zulu time, or rather the Standard set by Coruscant. Marius Decimus Trent Praxeum was meditating onboard his Venator, after spending the past year training under Prophet Odin. He had been ordered to take time off, to fill it however he saw best fitting his training.
He was notified of the call by Duece, who then proceeded to project the Holo in front of him. An Imperial Officer appeared, Lieutenant by his shoulder markings. "Admiral Praxeum. Your services are required by the Supreme Commander, as per Military Personnel Authority Code #2214576. In your discharge, you agreed with the Supreme Commander to answer the call of duty should he require it to be so. What is your reply, sir?"
"I reply with Code #2214576-Alpha."
"You must meet us here." at which point Duece beeped an affirmative to the transmission of coordinates. "What is your craft, sir?"
"Venator-Class Star Destroyer."
"Thank you, sir." And with a salute, the officer fizzled out, leaving Duece and Marius alone once more.
"Well then. Looks like we have more work to do on vacation than we did working." Pressing a button in his quarters, "Bridge, Admiral. Prepare to jump to hyperspace. Have the hangar go to Status Charlie. I will be up shortly with our destination." Status Charlie was the 3rd highest Combat Readiness Status, out of the 6 (Foxtrot, Echo, Delta, Charlie, Bravo, and Alpha) with Foxtrot being the lowest readiness state and Alpha being the War Time readiness status. Status Charlie meant the launch time of 1 minute from order for a Flight Group of fighters (6 craft), with the ability for others to follow 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes after. Foxtrot Status kept a Flight Element (wingpair) of two fighters at the one minute mark, with the rest of the Flight Group (4 fighters a Flight) in the 5 minute mark. Alpha Status kept an Fighter Group (36 craft - 3 Squadrons) ready to launch on the 1 minute mark, and Flight Groups on the 5 minute marks.
2200 Zulu Time
The Venator arrived from hyperspace at the given coordinates, its turbolasers ready to fire and a screen of fighters ready to launch, should the message prove to be a trap. Marius had raised the Status to Bravo when they neared the end of the hyperspace journey. When they arrived, 2 Squadrons were launched and were tracked by the guns on the other Star Destroyers that floated.
After the Comm Centers of the Guardian and Marius' Venator had cleared things up. The one Squadron was recalled, while the other began patrol duty around the craft, joined by a Squadron from the much large Guardian.
"So he brought the Lord Vader. Glad to see that ship being used again. Vader was the pinnacle of a warrior and commander."
At that point he was hailed officially by the Supreme Commander and was ordered onto a shuttle to join Lord Marix and the other Sith that would be joining them.
Darth Crozeus could neither hear nor attempt to hear the fragmented noise coming from his com-link. He was rather preoccupied with the raging storm in front of him, the devastating results of which he was surveying with some amusement as lesser Prophets ran around trying to find some way to contain the catastrophic power he had created. He was finally forced to look away from the destructive majesty before him when his aide increased his presence in the Force to make Crozeus look at him.
"Sir, perhaps you should take this. It's marked as red clearance."
Crozeus sighed and waved a hand. Almost instantly, the storm disappeared. Exasperated Prophets looked to their commander, who was now listening to the com-link, and sighed. Then they began to clear up. Crozeus was listening to the Military communications officer and frowning.
"If it's so important, why couldn't Lord Marix contact me himself? Right. Of course. Very well, I will get there ASAP."
Crozeus spoke to his aide briefly and send a quick telepathic message to Supreme Prophet Praxeum. Then he walked out of the huge experimenting ground, into the hangar, climbed into his ship and flew to the MAZ, not too long a hyperspace jump away. When he arrived at the co-ordinates he was given he simply waited until he picked up a Gladiator-Class Star Destroyer nearby, the personal ship of the Supreme Commander. He hailed it.
"This is Prophet Crozeus, Sith Researcher. Requesting permission to dock."
A moment later, he was granted, and he flew in to land. He was surprised to see High Mage Serratus, fully recovered after their duel, and an apprentice there too. Crozeus was getting more and more worried, but he didn't show it. He greeted his friend with a smile and a nod as he joined them in waiting for the Supreme Commander.
Darth Ryuzaki
Darth Ryuzaki sighed as he walked around his small flat on Kuat. Nothing to do so he sat at his desk and reviewed some files when his comlink buzzed into action. He answered hastily
"Hello Darth Ryuzaki speaking who is this ?"
An unfamiliar voice replied
"You are needed by Supreme Commander Marix. Are you willing to help?" "Yes anything for Lord Marix."
"Good there will be a shuttle at your location shortly" "Wait but how did you know where-" He was cut off in mid sentence when he was disconnected.He made a quiet growling noise as he stood up. He picked up his Two sabers and Two cortosis blades "Never leave home without 'em"
He gathered some more equipment and wore his light cloth robes and fitted his Mandalorian styled Cortosis battle armor. He took the elevator up to the rooftop and stepped onto the landing pad. Where a pilot was standing with his arms folded behind his back.
Behind him was a Sith Interceptor. "Wow nice ship" Ryuzaki clambered on board and to the Co-pilot seat.
"So where we headed?"Ryuzaki asked
"I was given Co-ordinates earlier, since you have no shuttle of your own were using this one." The pilot replied harshly obviously annoyed at the newly appointed sith minion taking him away from his lunch break.
"That would explain why i wasn't given any Co-ordinates then" Ryuzaki replied. He sat back and waited for the pilot to take off.
It was a relatively short flight for Ryuzaki partly because he fell asleep for most of it.
"Were here" The pilot said and tapped Ryuzaki on the shoulder
"Open communication with Guardian" Ryuzaki told the pilot
A small screen appeared and a member of the Guardian spoke to Ryuzaki. After landing was permitted the pilot Docked the ship in the hangar. Ryuzaki noticed some sith and one of them being Marix he Hailed Marix and joined them.
Supreme Commander Alor
Supreme Commander Marix was on his way down from the bridge, where he had been going over the last minute Intelligence Briefings on the matter at hand. None of those that had come knew why they were here. Perhaps a few hunches here and there, but no real conclusive theories. The reason Markaro knew they had no idea, was because he himself had no idea what had actually happened.
He arrived in the hangar bay with a flurry of activity, as his bodyguards fanned out, suspicious of everyone, even Marix himself. During battle, they didn't even trust the dead.
"Thank you for your abrupt replies." He started, nodding at Crozeus and Serratus, while saluting Marius, and merely passing his eyes over the new Army Private. "Your ships shall be given a once over by our mechanics to check for anything that we deem compromising of our security, such as tracking devices. If found, you will have the option of either removing the item(s) or leaving the craft behind to be sent elsewhere.
"Once that has been completed, your craft will be assigned to a hangar more fitting of their class. The Fighters with Fighters, the Shuttles with Shuttles, and the Freighters with our larger fighting craft." Here he gazed at Marius, to note that the former Admiral would not have his Venator in the hangar of the Lord Vader, but rather would be allowed to assume the command of the and its duties as a frigate and carrier.
The process began with the two fighters that represented Darths Crozeus and Serratus. Each was found to have a beacon amongst it. Marius' shuttle was clean, and Ryuzaki had no craft of his own, but the shuttle he arrived on was swept anyway.
"You will be alloted the next hour to decide how to deal with the beacons found, and settle into your quarters. You will be accompanied, at all times while on board any Imperial Craft, by at least 4 bodyguards and guides. They will make sure you avoid getting into areas best left alone. I suggest you follow them. Even though you were asked here to help, I will not tolerate inquisitive behavior as to our technology and developments."
With a turn and a rustling of his cape on the floor, the Supreme Commander was gone. He didn't have time for pleasantries or niceties, he had a mad man to track down.
It was here that Darth Ranov'la, chief of Marix's security force and his secret enforcer, took over. Staring each of the guests in the eyes, she spoke. "You will be in the Secondary Conference Room at 2330 Zulu Time. Your guides will make sure you do not get lost." She held two fingers up on each hand and waved forward the four teams of Legionnaires that remained in the hangar after Marix departed.
"Alpha on Marius. Bravo on Serratus. Charlie on Crozeus. Delta on Ryuzaki." Returning her gaze to the eyes of each of the Sith before her. "Any questions?"
High Prophet Crozeus
"That will be fine, thank you," Crozeus replied. He had had quite the experience with how the Military handled things before. He walked briskly out of the main hangar. Charlie Fireteam looked at one another for the smallest of moments and then followed him.
"Where is my ship?" Crozeus asked the air. Again, a tiny pause, barely noticeable. Then a solider took the lead and showed the Prophet where his ship had been moored, along with his comrade Darth Serratus', who would be just behind him. The beacon, common to be attached to all Sith craft, was on a tray underneath where his ship was moored - attached to the ceiling. Not wanting to alarm the ship's systems with an un-necessary discharge of lightning, he crushed it with the Force until it was a minuscule cube. Then he turned.
"Take me to my quarters."
For the third time, a pause. Crozeus knew they were evaluating their Sith they were assigned to protect. Crozeus had earned a little spot with the Supreme Commander for saying that half of the Sith world are in the Military, and seeing as his statement was practically true, even though it was said in a light manner, it was likely Charlie Fireteam had dealt with Sith before. After a brief ride in a turbolift they arrived at the area of quarters for guests aboard the ship. He wondered briefly if the apprentice would have an Army quarter with the ship's Marine complement. Then he decided that was neither efficient and nor did he care.
He wondered into his quarter, spartan compared to the standards he was accustomed to, and sat on the bed. He decided he would wash, and then catch up on some sleep. He would need to be refreshed for whatever it was the Supreme Commander wanted. For a moment, while being ordered there, he had thought it was a court-martial. Crozeus wondered what he would do if that happened. Can the Military even court-martial a non Military Sith? There was no Council of Justice anymore, which Crozeus had been a member. He had even come under trial, for a little bit of 'fun' he and Darth Suspiria had engaged in aboard the Aggregator. What would he do if he was court-martialled? Not turn up, of course. Then troops would be sent after him. He would fight and run, keep running. He wouldn't be found. He would start a new life somewhere.
He would miss the Sith, Prophet Crozeus decided. And that was odd. He really didn't expect himself to ever miss the Sith.
High Mage Serratus
Serratus followed after Crozeus, keeping pace, but in a casual way. The Bravos followed him closely, an experience Serratus was none too happy about. He had frequently denied bodyguards in his various posts and he hadn't been expecting to finally get them here. But he wasn't one to cause a fuss and made his way to his ship without protest.
He quickly located the beacon and took it apart with the Force, disconnected it from the ship and then crushed the pieces into small shards of metal. He got directions to his quarters from one of the Bravos and set off at a brisk pace, some of the shorter Bravos having noticeable trouble keeping pace with the High Mage's towering six foot two frame.
When he reached his quarters, Serratus didn't break stride, instead walking straight into the room, leaving the Bravos outside to keep watch. Once alone, Serratus started assessing his quarters. His quarters were located such that one of the walls of the room was also part of the outer wall of the craft. He quickly decided that should something go catastrophically wrong, he would be able to separate his quarters from the rest of the Star Destroyer and float away. From there he would be able to contact aid. Otherwise, Serratus was perfectly happy to see through the engagement.
Whatever it was that he had been called here for.
Marius Praxeum
Marius had his shuttle returned to the Vigilance and his Class 720 Ghtroc Freighter brought over for his personal use while on board the Lord Vader. The freighter was subsequently scanned, and his two beacons were located, only to be removed and shut off by Marius. He had decided, for the functionality of the voyage, to use the freighter as his quarters aboard the Vader, instead of other quarters further from his craft. Of course, while on the Vigilance he would use his regular quarters.
Capable of orginally holding 12 humanoids comfortably, it had been converted so that the crew cabin only had room for one, instead of intended 5, giving Marius a larger and more comfortable cabin. Alpha Team would reside in the other cabin, with rotating two man guard shifts.
He was puzzled as to why he had been ordered here, but was not entirely worried. If something was terribly wrong, he would be able to sense it, right? After visiting the refresher, and checking on the ships security, he laid down on his bed and fell into a meditative state, a new trick taught to him by Odin a few weeks before.
Darth Ryuzaki
Ryuzaki walked into the hangar where the ship he came in on was Delta team following closely. Once he reached the hangar he approached the pilot that he flew in with.
"Your ship you deal with the sensor." He said and walked away. The pilot just stood there looking at him before he turned to his ship and took off the sensor.
"So delta team where am i staying ?"Ryuzaki asked questioningly. The lead trooper walked ahead so Ryuzaki thought best to just follow him. The team led him to a room where other Troopers, Pilots and the sort were staying. He took a bunk and laid down the extra equipment he had. Sighing to himself.
"I wonder why i was asked to come. I mean im only a private and all." Ryuzaki sat on his bunk and took out a small metallic ball. Using force telekenisis he started making the ball hover around him. He found this calming sometimes. He waited from word from the Supreme Commander.
Supreme Commander Alor
At exactly 2315 Zulu time, Supreme Commander Marix entered into the conference quarters directly from the Lair, or where Military Intelligence resided on board each ship. He quickly ran what they knew by Darth Ranov'la , and received a nod of confirmation.
Fifteen minutes later, the other Sith began trickling into the room until all were present. Allowing a few seconds for them to settle, Supreme Commander Marix then began.
"The Empire has a problem. Over the past few days we have had ships disappear and their beacons broadcasting, signalling towards their destruction. At first we were concerned about a new enemy force, but recent information has led us to another conclusion. One man, one ship. We have received calls from an ex-Admiral, Darth Reglor. He was retired several years ago because of erratic behavior when in command. After several mix-ups after the death of his wife, we removed him from command situations and sent him to a training school to manage affairs there. Unfortunately, he has managed to build a power base of loyal students that we must believe are with him now. We have reasons to believe that Darth Reglor has stolen an Imperial-Class Star Destroyer, and can only suspect that he has more than that.
"So far all incidents have given us nothing. It was only until before you got here that we received a communication from what we believe to be Reglor. He was reported missing from his post yesterday, along with enough students to crew several Star Destroyers. We believe the Star Destroyers he is using are from a depot nearby, and we are working on searching that now."
Marix turned on a holomap that dissected the galaxy into several sections. One in particular was highlighted red.
"The red area designates the sector in which all activity has taken place so far." Zooming in. "As you can see, he appears to be working his way to the MAZ."
He turned and looked at them in the eyes. "You probably wonder why you are here. We want to keep this quiet. One less thing to come up at the Budget Meeting for the Orders is more credits to give more soldiers the proper armor. As for you, Private, you need the action and experience. Now, questions?"
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus had watched the presentation without emotion. He ran a hand through his hair and leaned forward.
"You want us to kill this Reglor," he said. It was a statement, not a question.
Darth Ryuzaki
Ryuzaki was behind all the other sith watching patiently.
"None from me sir" he stated.
Supreme Commander Alor
"Killing shall be a last resort. If at all possible, you are to bring him back for a Court Martial."
High Prophet Crozeus
A dull laugh slipped from Crozeus' lips. "Hold on here, Supreme Commander. You have just briefed us about this former Sith Admiral," here, he glanced at Marius, "who has commandeered at least one Imperial-Class Star Destroyer, and possibly more." Crozeus looked around the room.
"You all know what Admiral Thrawn achieved with just a handful of Star Destroyers," he said strongly. "As a former Admiral himself, I think he will try to do something just as genius. And you honestly believe we will be able to bring him in for court martial? Fine. If we do it, and we get him, and I'm still alive, I ask one thing. Let me deal the killing blow."
Supreme Commander Alor
"Grand Admiral Thrawn was not opposed by Sith. I expect much more from you than what the Rebels were capable of. That will be decided at the Court Martial, not before. Thrawn also had experiences soldiers and commanding officers. Our Darth Reglor has merely students and teaching staff that are loyal to him."
High Mage Serratus
Serratus, who had been chewing his cheek, analysing the situation, finally spoke up.
"On one hand, Reglor has an extremely, even fanatically loyal crew, commanding a number of Star Destroyers. He's also a former Admiral and no doubt a skilled tactician, as well as being a Sith. On the other hand, Reglor is insane and facing opposition from two of the finest tactical minds in the galaxy, one, the Supreme Commander, the other also a former Admiral and three of the Sith's most skilled warriors. In his favour, we can't launch an all-out attack on him, for risk of causing a panic, or destroying several extremely expensive and valuable Star Destroyers, as well as personnel that the military need. In our favour, between us we are more than capable of infiltrating a few Star Destroyers and taking down a relatively averagely-skilled Sith."
Serratus paused for a second before resuming.
"As much as I'd love to take the life of a traitor like Reglor, we need him alive at least long enough to stop his crews. If we killed Reglor without using him to stop his underlings, we could have several rogue Star Destroyers with crews that are insane and stupid instead of just insane. They could cause serious damage, galactic panic even. This needs to be a stealth mission. I know Crozeus and I can do stealth. Marius? Private Ryuzaki?"
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus frowned. "Do you not think that upon seeing their leader slain, his students will see the error of their ways? Especially when the High Mage himself is in the strike team. Though yes, I agree subtlety is a better tool here." He too looked towards the Army Private and the Intern and awaited their response.
High Mage Serratus
Serratus shrugged.
"Either they see the error of their ways and repent or go completely over the edge and set out to cause as much damage to immediate area as possible. And since we'll be in the immediate area and completely surrounded by Star Destroyers piloted by insane little people, we'll get the blunt of the damage. They'd probably blow each other to pieces in the process but neither us nor those Star Destroyers are expendable."
High Prophet Crozeus
"They are hardly insane. They are simply following the natural authority and charisma of a leader. I'm sure the example of Sith justice will quell whatever treasonous feelings they are holding."
Marius Praxeum
((I'm not an Army Private, Crozeus.))
"Stealth is something I can accomplish, if that is what you were asking, High Mage." Turning, he looked the Prophet and the Mage in the eyes before continuing. "I believe we can appease the both of you. We can send a team aboard to remove the problem, but be present with ships and turbo lasers to give them something to think about. If it comes down to it, we jumped out of the system if they open fire and then follow them until the job is done."
Darth Ryuzaki
"Stealth ? I can do stealth. Not killing reglor i can understand but what about his minions ? Do we get to kill them ?" Ryuzaki said as he walked beside the other sith. Hoping the answer was yes otherwise it would have been a waste of time to bring his sabers.
Supreme Commander Alor
[[We're sitting in a room. Not walking.]]
"Marius, your plan works for me. If the Prophet and Mage agree, then we go forward with the compromise." Pausing, he turned his gaze to the Private. "You will not kill unless ordered to do so, Soldier. And you will be prepared at all times." He said, having gleamed the train of Ryuzaki's thoughts.
"I am sure that I do not have to repeat the confidentiality of this matter. If any word of this gets out, I will hold all four of you responsible. And that is not a good situation to be in."
High Prophet Crozeus
((Gah, no you aren't. I confused you with another apprentice.))
Crozeus nodded. "It sounds acceptable, Lord. I should be able to stay my blade... for as long as necessary."
High Mage Serratus
Serratus tilted his head to the side and untangled two dreadlocks which had become intertwined.
"I can live with Praxeum's proposal. Is there an armoury on board, Supreme Commander? I need to rearm and possibly resuit for a stealth mission. A cloak and staff aren't all that subtle."
Supreme Commander Alor
"High Mage, did you just ask if there was an armory aboard an Imperial Warship?" Marix couldn't help but smile. Sometimes people forgot about the actual purpose of the Navy and Army, but they were usually quickly reminded. "Ask your squad when you wish to go there, they will lead you, and help with the selection." Turning his attention back to the matter on hand. "Now then. Prophet Crozeus, I would like to ask you to use the Prophet's databases to search for any information on this rogue Admiral, and if anything if deemed important, to have it brought to my information. Serratus, if you you, a list of planets in the area that would present good locations for him to hide or attack. Ryuzaki, you will need to report to the Quad for excerises with the rest of the troopers. Marius, I believe you have a ship that needs looking after. Any questions on that?"
High Mage Serratus
Serratus acknowledged Marix's smile with one of his own.
"Well, there is a certain difference between an armoury as the average person would put it and an armoury as I would put it."
Serratus's interest and skill in a variety of exotic weapons, including several of his own design was well-known. At Marix's offer for questions, Serratus brushed a dreadlock out of his face before making his query known.
"I'll need a map of Relgor's warpath, as an aid to the list of planets."
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus nodded. "Certainly, I will search now."
He pulled out his personal computer and accessed the Church's expansive database. His computer was restricted for his use only - should anyone else attempt to use it it would lock itself down.
"Reglor... Reglor... Ah, here we go. Sith Admiral, distinguished in combat... possible connection to the Force, not deemed worthy of investigation... he is very shaken up about his wife, which is why he was sent back in the first place." Crozeus paused, thinking. He looked for a picture of Reglor with his wife and found many. Centering in on his wife he made the image full-screen and studied it intently. Then he placed the computer down and stood up, standing in open space and stretching his arms wide. His face contorted into a look of intense concentration.
The first thing that happened to him was that he shrunk several inches. His figure became slimmer, the muscles receding. His hair grew and became lighter until it was blonde. His face twsited into a whole other profile.
"I think this will give us an edge, Supreme Commander," said Darth Reglor's wife.
Supreme Commander Alor
"Very good, Prophet. I am sure we can use that to pour advantage. But it could also be our weakness. It may incite him to a greater anger than we would have regularly." He made a few notes on his datapad and then turned to Serratus, "You will have the information you need on the console in your quarters when you arrive there. The team that escorts you will have the password. And I think you will find the armory on board my personal Star Destroyer quite adequate for your needs, of course there are no historical weapons, but what does work well you will find there."
With that Marix left, headed back to his quarters for a few hours of respite. One could survive without sleep by using the Force, but why waste his energy and mind now, when he could sleep and be refreshed without tapping into the Force.
High Prophet Crozeus
Crozeus had returned to his ordinary form. He could not hold one form for any longer than a minute without collapsing - one minute fifteen was his record. It was incredibly hard to do, and he followed Marix out and headed to his own quarters to rest. He would use it to distract Reglor, giving his allies time to move in and apprehend him. He doubted he could do more than that... yet.
High Mage Serratus
A couple of hours later, Serratus had compiled the list, in order of priority, and codenamed each of the planets. He had also resuited himself in a suit of shell spider silk, tough as durasteel but light as air, normally white but dyed black for the purpose of the mission, as well as disposing of Arbiter and arming himself with two guard shoto lightsabers, a silenced blaster pistol and a belt of Vrakolian spin-blades.
He was moving through the motions of the traditional style of guard-shoto combat when one of the Bravos knocked.
"Enter."
The soldier entered fearlessly, a trait that Serratus admired.
"Would you like me to bring the planet list to Lord Marix, High Mage?"
Serratus nodded and the Bravo retrieved the list and left the room. Serratus did a flip and landed in the exact same position, having just slice the head of an imaginary enemy in two.
Supreme Commander Alor
Supreme Commander Marix received the list and plugged the data into the server on the Star Destroyer. He then connected the craft to the MAZHQ mainframe, exponentially increasing the power he had at his disposal for analysis and computations. The pathway created from the list started at the Rimcee System, where the Naval Training Center was located, down through Dubrillion and Datooine.
"This places him near Mygeeto, if he held to his current direction." The Systems Analyst said.
"Think he's after the money capital of the galaxy?" Asked Darth Ranov'la.
"It is entirely possible. Alert our forces in that area. We'll follow his path and try to catch him from behind." Turning to the Operations Officer, he continued, "We'll be jumping out of hyperspace every 30 minutes and scanning the system. Plot accordingly."
Leaving the room he opened a comm channel with the Prophet and Mage. "You two are free to leave for a few hours to gather whatever new supplies you might need from Bastion. Plan accordingly."
High Prophet Crozeus
Bastion
"Are you sure about this sir?" The small man asked timidly. When he received no reply he nodded nervously and muttering to himself he opened the slender case Crozeus was looking at. Snuggled up with foam around them were two rather beautiful, if one could use such a word to describe a tool of death, weapons. One was an assault rifle, smooth and plated with chrome. Several types charge pack were underneath it and in front of it was a slender silencer/flash retarder and above it were several types of scope.
It was made by a former designer of Aratech, who are arguably the best producer of weaponry in the galaxy. As was the pistol that was also in the case, equally slim, equally plated in chrome, and equal with a fully automatic function. It had a long, slim charge pack, and also came with a silencer/flash retarder. There were also four incendiary grenades, and thermal/night vision scopes for both weapons which could be mounted as goggles.
Crozeus nodded his satisfaction and the small man shut the case, locking it before picking it up with the utmost care and placing it on the table. Crozeus looked towards the shelf filled with projectile magazines and charge packs and the man nodded as if remembering, and took additional charge packs for both weapons until Crozeus nodded.
"That will be...," the small man pushed his glasses back and wheezed, "one hundred and forty five thousand credits."
Crozeus did not react at the price. He could, in theory, just kill the man there and then and take it, but that would be un-necessary cruelty and would also get the Bastion law enforcement on his back, something he did not need at all. He assumed correctly this was the largest payment the weaponsmith would ever receive and he would give the man what he deserved for his excellent craftsmanship. Crozeus had purchased weaponry from him before, after all.
He placed a card to the value of one hundred and twenty five thousand credits and nodded. The man blinked, opened his mouth slightly, then spoke, his voice barely more than a whisper
"Thank you for your custom, sir."
Crozeus picked up the case and left without a word.
High Mage Serratus
Bastion
Serratus brushed his fingers lightly against the leaves of the Gemwood tree. Serratus found Gemwood trees indescribably beautiful and was glad that, as a Sith Master, he had access to the only two off-Endor Gemwood trees in the galaxy, in the Garden Square of the Kuati Sith Temple and the Pellaeon Gardens of Bastion. Suddenly, Serratus heard a sound behind him. He turned to see Darth Dorian, one of his Mage subordinates, who had been reassigned to the Department of Mysteries a few months ago, along with Darth Tao. Serratus acknowledged him.
"Did you bring them?"
Dorian nodded and produced three cases, which he laid on the ground in front of Serratus. Serratus watched with a smile as Dorian opened the first case, producing a pair of black-and-grey gauntlets each with a small opening at the fingertips and a small device in each palm. The second case revealed a set of attachments for each gauntlet, which would produce a sphere of sticky fluid which would rapidly expand upon contact with oxygen and encase anything from a droch to a krayt dragon. The third case revealed Serratus's pet project, the organic lightsaber he had produced on Kuat. The High Mage called the equipment to him with the Force and equipped them. Serratus dismissed Dorian, who left wordlessly, and admired the equipment.
"I'll explain to Aequitas later," he said to himself, "Imperial security comes before red tape."
With that, he departed the Pellaeon Gardens, not knowing that he would never return there again to gaze upon the Gemwood tree.
Supreme Commander Alor
The commlinks buzzed as Marix's voice was transmitted across them. "We leave in an hour. Be back on the ship by then."
High Prophet Crozeus
((Judging by the time this rp started, I will remain Prophet and will address you as Marix.))
Crozeus was already in the hangar when Marix's voice came across his transmitter. He sighed and placed the case with utmost care in the small hold behind his chair. He clambered in and stretched before the canopy depressed back over him. He headed back to the Guardian-Class and after docking he headed to his quarters to suit up appropriately, equipping his new weapons and his polished beskar armour.
He then decided to go to the briefing room, as he didn't know if Marix wanted to speak to them again or just go to Mygeeto. It didn't matter. The briefing room was comfortable, and Crozeus drifted into a light snooze.
Supreme Commander Alor
[[That is best. And the main ship is a "Guardian" Class, not Gladiator. The Gladiators are smaller.]]
High Mage Serratus
Serratus had only just docked in the Guardian-class when Marix's call came through. Serratus did not respond to the call and instead made his way to the briefing room, where he encountered the sleeping form of Crozeus. He took off his belt of spin-blades and sat a few chairs away from the Prophet, lightly tapping the drum beat of his favourite classical composition, The Sarlacc's Song, on the table.
Darth Ryuzaki
Ryuzaki never left the ship in the first place. Not having much else to do he was in the Training room most of the time, going through the various movements of a new form he was using Jar'kai. After he recieved the message he left the room with delta team and entered the briefing room, took a seat and waited for further orders.
