Steel Accord

The fandom won’t end otherwise there would be no conventions to go to. And there will be other conventions to go to.

“Yeah!” Rita squawked. “How do you guys avoid stars and junk when traveling at these speeds? Hyperspace lets us jump past all that.” Rita asked an apt question Senotho had to admit. Looking at the warp core and the uniforms though, he admitted he had a growing suspicion about Star Fleet. “My question is more to your ship’s purpose than its workings. ‘To seek out new life and new civilizations.’ Your mission. Yet the Prime Directive disallows you from interfering with a civilization’s development. You saw the Empire for what it was so clearly you, at least individually Captain, have some standards as to who you’ll ally with. What other practices of a culture would deem them unworthy of Star Fleet’s aid or admittance?”

The Jedi bowed to his counterpart. “You honor us Captain. It is most appreciated. I still have many questions for you as I’m sure you do for us as well. It has been a long day for all of us though.” Grid contacted the rest of the Antarian Rangers and told them to lay low while the Empire was in town. The one’s already aboard the Righteous took in the wonders of what their respective hosts had to offer.

Senotho consulted the map. And rested his elbow on his hand while his other hand up to his chin in thought. “Hmmm Lantillies in the Mid rim might be a good choice. The guild in control of the planet has no love for the Empire, although that doesn’t necessarily make them our allies either. On the other hand Arrgaw in the Expansion Region is likewise a trading hub and one without a particularly strong loyalty to the Empire as well. The main problem is the Righteous itself.” “You must understand Captain, few ships in the Galaxy look quite like this ship. Certainly anything of this size must be registered with the Bureau of Ships and Services, or BOSS. We’re likely to get reported to the Empire if spotted in the mid rim on Lantillies. On the other hand Arrgaw is a bit more varied. A ship like this would be notable but not totally remarkable. We can resupply and be out without much hassle if we’re quick. I’d recommend Arrgaw over Lantillies but it’s up to you Captain. Being auspicious with a local power opposed to the Empire but with its own agenda, versus being unremarkable in a marginal Imperial holding without much direct oversight.”

“I didn’t say the Empire was the greater evil.” The Jedi said cryptically before the communique came through. Master Senotho took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could feel now, more than before, the eyes of the Sith. Searching fervently for them. Standing aboard this flying treasure trove of technological marvels. The Sith desired it greedily yet for some reason they couldn’t see it. The Sith’s grasp in the Dark Side was currently unchallenged and it was his own sight that was diminished. Yet here they were, beyond their enemy’s reach. Still it would behove them not to become lax even with this advantage. “I traveled for what seemed half a lifetime before settling on Antar Four. Even there I don’t always remain. Until we can be sure we’re truly secured, it would be wise to keep moving.”

The Jedi took his seat and enjoyed his tea while listening to the Captain. “Too right. Not that extended space travel has been on my agenda for a good long while though. Save for some sojourns to other planets I take on missions. Combating threats while trying to find some way to resist the greater evil.” He looked wistfully in the steaming contents of his tea.

“With respect to your neighbors, they’re clearly missing out.” He said while sniffing and daintily sniffing the beverage that was seemingly conjured from air. He held the dish as if expecting it to disintegrate. “Your means and resources are . . . nothing short of miraculous.” To top it off, the tea itself was excellent.

Immanuel found the claims that their lot had been hard doubtful considering his surroundings as he sat down but he knew better than to compare another man’s pain. Among his own retinue, Creel had seen the most battle and been tested the most but he and Jeeg were the most at peace. Phiona was not burdened by the loss of her lavish lifestyle, she gave that up freely, but of the tyranny that became of the Galaxy. Grid, by far, was the deepest into darkness despite appearing in his element. Killing his own brothers to protect a man he had only begun to respect and having his free will robbed of him. A Jedi doesn’t to presume to know the depths of another’s pain. Through the Force though, he can begin to understand. That’s empathy and compassion. “I’m sorry your otherwise peaceful lives have been thrown into conflict. I am, however, gladdened to see war has not stripped you of inner peace. The beginning of all harmony.” He chuckled. “If this is your war vessel, your more luxurious homes must contain beautiful forests and rivers of fruit juice.” He nodded and arose from his seat at the Captain’s offer. “Yes, thank you very much.”

With friendly introductions made all around, the Antarian Rangers separated with the officers within their respective fields of expertise. Be they political, military, scientific, or what have you. At last though, Senotho nodded at Jellico’s offer and followed him into a room that was presumably his office. Again he was struck by the luxury of it all. Even though a Jedi’s life was quite Spartan no matter what, there was a time when he himself lived in at least a modicum of comfort. (Not the least of which because he wasn’t being actively hunted.) Such times were long past and seeing an office that not only he didn’t have to sneak inside of but whose palette was warm and inviting rather than dark, cold, and harsh was shocking. He followed the Captain who was clearly at ease in his own space. “Your hospitality is truly appreciated Captain Jellico. My Rangers have not had an easy life as my disciples.”

Senotho folded his hands into his robes. “Given the state of my own life for the past few years, I can certainly understand the value of discretion when it comes to what the Empire knows and what it doesn’t. I do fear that the very nature of our exit may have revealed its method, even if the Empire doesn’t posses the knowledge of exactly how we did it.” “Molecular transport?!” Rita squawked as she flapped her way to center stage. “How?! The amount of energy needed alone could power a star destroyer. Not to mention the precision needed to target us, AND the stabilization needed to not just fry us all down to fine grain during the transport.” Rita buzzed with questions. Jeeg would normally feel her in but he was also curious how this miracle of technology was accomplished. Phiona only looked at the uniforms and the ship design. Running a finger along the table. This was a place to discuss peacefully. Such a place didn’t exist in her life now. “Master,” she said. “If it’s all right with you, I’d like to learn more about Star Fleet, and the Federation.” He nodded. “Of course. Actually Captain, if I might suggest, it would do us both well to familiarize us with each other on our own terms. Perhaps you can provide Rita with someone to show her the Righteous’ workings while she shares our own technological details. Someone to give Grid an overview of your military or defense capabilities. Someone to give Phiona history and structure of the Federation and Star Fleet, and . . . I’m sure you have some particular questions for me.”

Grid looked around expecting another fight as the smoke cleared. No smoke though, no troopers, no slanted and harsh Imperial architecture. Instead he was in a palatial lounge. “What . . . the Hell?” He said. “Darkseed voodoo!” Creel said. Tellingly his fellows didn’t correct him. Not even Immanuel. Although him sheathing his lightsaber did put the Rangers in better spirits. If he didn’t feel they were in danger, they trusted him. Well except Grid who didn’t lower his weapon but Grid didn’t always trust his Jedi commander and even after years of trust, old habits die hard. Senotho nodded. It seemed once they were safe, they’d both have a lot of questions for the other. > > > > > > > “They’ve lowered shields.” An ensign reported. “Once we’re in range, give them a broadside.” Rook ordered. Caprid observed what they’d do. “Tol to bridge. The Captain and the Jedi escaped!” The Bounty Hunter said over the line. “What do you mean escaped? You had them surrounded!” Marcus Rowe hollered back. “They’re gone! What do you want me to say?” “Energy build up in the enemy ship, some kind of field around it but not a shield.” Lana reported. Moff Caprid knew. He didn’t know how, but he knew. Captain Jellico had returned to his ship with the Jedi in tow. Just like that, Star Fleet ship shot out of low orbit like a bullet and into space. “How?!” Some said but all felt. “No hyperspace detected.” “It wasn’t hyperspace.” Moff Caprid said. “They changed space around them rather than cheated through it.” “Impossible,” Aldin said. “Nothing is,” the 13th Sister said. “We must capture that ship.” Caprid said, his mission now more clear than ever.

“Understood!” Grid said as he blasted a trooper off the bridge who fell with a very memetic scream. “General! We need you back up here for a plan!” Grid was somehow able to be heard over the din of battle such was the soldier’s command voice. “Rangers, shade!” He ordered. Jeeg and Phi dropped smoke dispersers while Creel and Rita threw smoke grenades. The entire bridge was obscured in a cloud. Meanwhile Senotho rolled Tap’s back and came out of the roll by slicing his opponent’s jet pack in half with his lightsaber, preventing pursuit. He leaped up to the smoke filled platform higher than his muscles should have been able to propel him and stayed low with his friends, lightsaber still drawn.

Their awe was not unexpected. Even at the height of the Order’s power, few had ever seen the Jedi, let alone a Jedi Master, let alone a Jedi Master in pitched combat. The way of the Jedi was the way of peace after all and a Jedi’s wisdom was much harder to exaggerate than their prowess in battle. They at last made it outside to a gantry way leading to their shuttle that’s when a missile shot over their heads and the shuttle was blasted to smithereens. Senotho drew his lightsaber but a cable wire shot out over his head and swinging in on the zip line over them was Double Tap, who swung both feet in front to kick Senotho off the path to a lower level, his weapon flying from his hand off to the unknown. The Jedi rolled to save himself as heavy boots clanked on to the bulkhead in front of him, he dropped the heavy launcher with the smoking barrel. “General!” Grid cried out. “Protect Star Fleet!” Senotho ordered as he got to his feet. Back up top, Jumptroopsrs flew up from below or dropped in from a higher level and began to surround the group. Grid was the only one with proper armor and a heavier weapon, which he now made use of trying to keep the Jumptroopers from strafing the group in their minimal low cover. Tap popped his knife from his sheath on his gauntlet but fired twice with his blaster in his other hand. Immanuel was able to dodge both shots but the Bounty Hunter capitalized on the Jedi’s unarmed and defensive movements by closing and cutting him across the waist with his knife. The wound was shallow. He had to take action. He removed his cloak and twirled it, blinding the Bounty Hunter and followed through with a kick to his gut. It staggered him and Senotho again had a second’s reprieve. It was all he needed. He reached out again, his lightsaber shone forth like a beacon in the Force and it seemed to leap from its discardment, as if eager to enter the Jedi’s hand and blaze forth its blade. Still, things were not good. The Rangers were surrounded and outmatched in terms of weaponry. The Jedi Master was occupied by a highly skilled Bounty Hunter. And their only means of escape was damaged beyond repair.

The TIE fighters were instantly vaporized. Starfleet’s weapons taking the pilots off guard and their nimble flight capabilities being overwhelmed before they were even employed. The Excursion gave chase but the enemy vessel was fast for a ship its size. > > > > > > > > The party turned a corner and ran headlong into a Trooper squad sweeping for them. “There they are. Blast ‘em!” The Troopers opened fire. “Captain take cover!” Senotho pulled Jellico behind the bulkhead as the Rangers and Grid returned fire. Two troopers dropped but the rest retreated to the bulkheads. The Starfleet officers would find the Stormtroopers to be highly disciplined, and well trained. Maybe not the best shots but proper soldiers. Plus they had better weapons than the Rangers’ sidearm blasters. “We need to punch through them to get to the shuttle!” Grid shouted, blasting another one dead as more came in. “I believe that’s my cue.” Senotho said. He closed his eyes and took a breath. The Force was with him, as always. He let himself be guided by it. He stepped out into the middle of the hail of plasma, his head ducked to one side where a blaster bolt sailed by the space his head was a moment ago. Flying from his robe, a small metal tube landed in his hand and beamed forth a bright green blade. As his eyes opened. His movements were flowing and controlled, parrying the bolts and sending two back at them. The movement was a rhythm to build up, his free hand cupped behind him, one striking block gave way to pushing his hand forward. The corridor shook like a tidal wave was passing through it. In some ways that’s exactly what was happening. The Stormtroopers all were scatted. Slammed to the walls or ceiling or tossed back. Senotho nodded his head forward to the Captain. “The way is clear.”

“Master Senotho!” Jeeg said. Immanuel didn’t correct him but he did respond to Jellico. “I know an expedient way out of here. I’ve been in and out of this Citadel many times.” “Get back here! By the authority of the Empire-“ “The Righteous is being confiscated.” Senotho finished. “It would be poetic if the stakes weren’t so dire.” The group filtered out but Senotho lingered just for a moment. “Keep your head down for this fight if you must Pendrew. There will come a time though when you must choose a side. I hope you make the right choice on that day.” The Jedi left the Minister to slump in his seat before he tossed the meal in front of him to his side. Meanwhile in orbit. “In this galaxy?” Lana recited to herself whilst Caprid fired off orders to pursue the vessel. “Keep on them! Isolate the captain.” “Deploy TIE fighters!” Rook ordered. “The garrison is to find the Captain. Keep him from reaching any allies on the ground.” Marcus Rowe said. His orders were relayed to the Stormtroopers within the Citadel. “Moff Caprid.” The Inquisitor spoke up. “You should know something. There is a powerful presence in the Force. It’s . . . near.” “Don’t speak to me in riddles Inquisitor. I can’t act on senses and feelings.” Caprid said. “My Lord,” Agent Tres Aldin said. “I think what she’s referring to is a Jedi.” “A Jedi? On Antar Four?” “We’ve had unconfirmed reports that a powerful Jedi was hiding out there. The inner rim though? That’s either incompetence on the Minister’s part-“ “Or tacit support. Inquisitor. Your time has come.” “I’m afraid not Moff.” Once again, Caprid fumed a slight puff at his orders being questioned. “Why not?” “Lord Vader’s orders. I am to secure the vessel. Not to engage the Jedi unless forced to.” The Moff at least understood the logic. Still, the Jedi was a rogue element that couldn’t be left to chance. “Specialist Tap.” Caprid called upon the Bounty Hunter by his formal but perfunctory rank. “If the Jedi is there and has allied with the enemy Captain, I want it taken care of.” “You want this Jedi alive or dead?” He said checking his weapons. “Neither. I want the Captain denied an asset.” “Run interference. Got it boss.” He said no more and left the bridge. His informality not bothering Caprid as much as the Inquisitor’s. Being of a low life ilk gave one a weakness in deference the Inquisitor didn’t share. “Keep the pursuit.” Caprid ordered as the nimble and quick fighters pursued the Righteous beyond the planet’s horizon. The Inquisitor focused her feelings on the vessel’s fleeing gleam. Even beyond sight she would not loose it. Her masters would not be denied. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Meanwhile back on the surface, the Antarian Rangers lead the Starfleet crew down the passage back to the landing but the entire hallway was sealed off at their approach. Such measures were normally to isolate corridors during a breach. The Empire had them as part of standard security to keep intruders from escaping. The Rangers drew their weapons. Pitiful as they were. For a formal event, they only had sidearms. “There’s another way, follow me.” Senotho lead them down another corridor.

“The Minister’s authority does not extend to my affairs Captain.” Came Caprid’s reply. “Visitors or not, any non enemy vessel in Imperial space is property of the Empire. Surrender your ship now or be classified as one such enemy.” “Don’t waste your breath Captain.” Grid said. “He’s right, we must get you and your crew back to your shuttle at once.” Senotho said.

“I . . . that is to say.” “Answer the damn question!” Grid said, slamming an armored fist so hard it shook the table. “The time for currying favor has passed Minister.” Senotho added. His sharp gaze bore into Layton’s soul. He sighed in defeat. “I know of Moff Caprid. He’s a decorated officer. Bringing many rebellious planets into the Empire’s dominion. He’s stern, strategic, a polymath as well. His ship, I can’t say, although it he’s in command . . . it’s an armada on to itself.” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “Their shields are up.” A hand reported on the Excursion’s bridge. “Unidentified vessel. Final warning, submit or be treated as hostile.” Caprid ordered.

Clearly the Captain has misunderstood what Master Senotho meant by “clerical.” Either that, or he didn’t know the other meaning. “Your answer is . . . enlightening, Captain.” “Master Senotho?” Phi spoke up. “Please let me tell him.” “Do you think there reason to? Don’t hold to the past Phiona, respect it. Be mindful of the future, but be in the moment. There is no chaos.” “There is harmony, yes but I am in the moment. Democracy isn’t dead, it’s sitting across from us!” She held an open hand to Captain Jellico and his crew. Senotho could feel her passion but it was not misplaced. “Democracy had its time for thousands of years.” Layton said. “Minister.” Senotho cut him off. “You had your time to speak. Now it’s her turn.” Layton looked about as comfortable as if he were being boiled alive and was sweating about as much. Phi took a sigh. “Captain Jellico of the United Federation of Planets. My name is Phiona Dwin. I was being educated to run for a seat of office in the Galactic Senate. Before it became illegal for non-humans not already in office to run. Which denied me a platform to denounce re-instituting slavery, a practice outlawed in the Republic at its founding millennia ago. Even the standing Imperial Senate couldn’t counter this violation because they have no check against the Emperor.” She stated her case. Jeeg looking on her with a big smile and a glint of admiration in his eyes. “Everything the Minister credits to the Empire came from the Republic. Its reach stemming from centuries of peaceful alliances, its industry built on free trade, and its soul guided and guarded by the Jedi Knights.” Senotho smiled. She had the verbosity of a politician and the enthusiasm of youth. Yet despite himself, he had to admit there was truth to her diatribe. “The Empire did do one thing though. It ended the Clone Wars, decisively. First by assassinating the enemy’s political leaders under a flag of negotiation, and then by cowing any civilian sympathy with the Antar Atrocity. Organized out of this very Citadel by his predecessor.” To punctuate Phi’s speech, the Excursion dropped out of hyperspace just outside of the orbit of Antar IV. It’s crew at first were stunned to see what was floating before them. “What kind of ship is that?!” Rowe asked. “I don’t . . . know.” Lana Sen said, amazed at her own ignorance of the make or model. She was supposed to know everything after all. “Unknown craft.” Moff Caprid wasted no time. Blasting his audio orders across all channels. “This is Moff Caprid. Task force leader of the Imperial vessel Excursion you are to submit yourself and your crew for inspection.”

The party listened intently. Layton began to pail, the Rangers began to see at least nominally a kindred spirit. Immanuel though noticed a bizarre absence in all of this. “Captain Jellico, if I might ask. Is there rank or position amidst Star Fleet whose duty is to carry out clerical tasks?”

L3 couldn’t transmit the data remotely to the tricorder, so instead it lead Faron to a computer hub, beeping to the Stormtroopers guarding it as they tried to stop the scientist. They then let him pass. It plugged its arm into the console and loaded up a star map, Imperial holdings, general information on the Empire’s hierarchy, but anything even remotely in-depth about scientific information or even recent history was flagged as classified. “Captain,” Layton interjected. “While your scientist is gathering this data, perhaps I can be of assistance on more general information. Certainly you need to know more than star charts and hyperspace lanes.” Master Senotho understood his companions’ frustration. Layton, at least for the moment, had Jellico’s ear and even if his heart was in the right place, it was worrying to see him try and secure an alliance that might push the Antarian Rangers out. Now that Captain Jellico’s nature had been known this would have to be handled carefully though, and Immanuel knew Pandrew well enough to know he wouldn’t have the patience to be tactful with these misplaced visitors. He just prayed that the Minister’s patience will be exhausted soon. Time was not on their side . . . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Out in the mid-rim flew the Secutor-class Star Destroyer Excursion. Upon its bridge stood an assortment of Imperials, each one a member of the Galactic Empire’s various divisions. Standing proud and stern was Admiral Elias Rook, a lifelong military man who came up through the ranks. At his side was Commander Marcus Rowe, holed up in his Stormtrooper armor only missing the helmet, a younger man in contrast to his superior. Overlooking their own separate subservients stood a man and woman. The man was ISB Agent Tres Aldin, the woman was, allegedly, Ambassador Lana Sen. It was something of an open secret though that she was Imperial Intelligence. Aldin and Sen spent half the time eyeing their assets and the other half each other. Leaning against the bulkhead at the far side of the bridge was a menacing man with a shaved head, custom but dirty and old looking armor, and a scar running from his forehead to behind his ear. He was playing with an equally wicked looking razor knife. This was Tol “Double” Tap, the exclusive contract Bounty Hunter for the Excursion. Lastly, at the complete other end of the bridge, was the only non-human of the command. A mikkian with light blue skin. While she kept her distance, in contrast to Tap, her poise was straight and disciplined, almost like a dancer waiting for her cue. She wore form fitting black armor and had a headdress to downplay but not completely disguise her head tendrils, with a visor that covered her face. This was the Thirteenth Sister of the Inquisition, deep in standing meditation. Their various activities were interrupted when a man stepped on to the bridge. He was bald and dressed in a crisp, white uniform. Rook, Rowe, and Aldin all gave him a sharp salute but the others also turned to regard him. “Moff Caprid. Our orders?” Rook asked. “From High Command. We are to investigate an assisted skirmish with pirates in the Antar sector.” His voice was deep and commanding. “Pirates? That close to the core?” Rowe asked. “Given the state Tarkin left it. I’m not surprised.” Aldin said. During this exchange, a droid rolled up and beeped something as the 13th Sister. “Set a fire, never know what’s going to come crawling out of the ashes.” Double Tap said as he sheathed his knife. “Set a course, take us to hyperspace.” Caprid ordered. The Inquisitor walked passed the Moff. “Inquisitor.” He stopped her with his word. “I did not give you leave.” “There’s a message waiting for me. One with authority higher than yours.” She hissed back at him. Caprid frowned but nodded. “Carry on.” He didn’t like to have his authority flaunted but this was to come with the territory. A Moff like him shouldn’t be in charge of only a single vessel, but then again neither should Admiral Rook. Yet this command was intentionally lopsided, an experiment at fully integrating different levels and assets of the Imperial hierarchy. To handle highly specialized tasks. Wherever they were going, the Empire needed as many skill sets it could muster, and that included the often cryptic mystics. The Inquisitor entered a private and dimly lit room. Kneeling before the holoprojector, it hummed to life and the terrible, helmed visage dominated above her. Darth Vader. Her visor lifted up to reveal her face to her master. “The Thirteenth Sister of the Inquisition.” “My Lord Vader. What is it that you wish of me?” “The Emperor has sensed a great disturbance in the Force.” “I have felt it as well.” “As have many. The Jedi who hides in the Antar system will take great interest.” “I will not fail you as others have in slaying him my lord.” The Sister interjected. “That is not your task.” Vader corrected. She was confused. “This survivor is a Jedi Master. Confront him and he will destroy you as he has your brothers before you. Your task will be to attain the means of hunting and finishing him.” “I do not understand. Forgive me.” “The Emperor divined a more precise reading of this occurrence. It was, a bridge. On the other side of which was light. Light so blinding what lay beyond it could not be seen. A small fraction of this light . . . slipped through. And now is invisible to the Emperor.” “Something, from beyond?” She said in awe. “Find this light from the other side and keep it from the Jedi at all costs.” Vader’s tone did not entertain her wonder, only commanded. “It will be done, my Lord.” The command received. The hologram of Vader’s helm disappeared and the 13th Sister returned to the bridge as the Excursion shot into hyperspace.

Senotho simply nodded in understanding. “Captain I really must object on behalf of the free people of the Galaxy.” The blue pantoran woman said as she stood up. “Stand down Phiona.” Senotho said from his seat. “A captain needs to get his bearings. And Jellico is about as lost as one can get. We should strive to do the right thing by them.” He said that with a sidelong glance to Layton. “Uhhh L-3?” The little astromech droid beeped alert. “Can you assist this man’s science officer?” It rocked its body like a nod. Of course, Layton wasn’t going to give them full access. Just enough to keep them talking, but what would they know? All he knew was that they had resources he wanted.

The gathered company from this side could only silently gasp at what they were hearing. Senotho nodded. “I knew it.” “The Federation sounds similar to the Republic.” Phi noted with melancholy. “Don’t be fooled Captain.” Senotho said. “This map is only partly accurate. Much of the territory claimed by the Galactic Empire is just that, claimed. They consider any territory where there’s no direct opposition to their rule to belong to them.” “And some even where there is. Such as here.” Grid, the clone trooper said, eyeing the Minister sideways. “Now see here!” Layton said. “I’m the Imperial Commandant of this moon.” “Of this base, Minister.” Senotho said. “Allow me to remind you of our agreement for the sake of our guests.” His eyes were directed intermittently at the Captain and Minister. “You were transferred here after the Antar Atrocity. Where now Grand Moff Tarkin ordered mass arrests and executions with little to no discernment of their loyalty to the new Empire. To punish the Separatist dissidents for defecting from a Republic that no longer existed. You threw open your gates for the refugees but their trust in the Empire was understandably shaken. The Antarian Rangers considered you the enemy. I reached out to you. Said I would do what people, the Empire AND the people of Antar 4, didn’t trust you to do. You kept your position, and the secret of our existence. Do you recall all this?” The Minister couldn’t meet the Jedi’s eyes. “Yes.” “Good.” He turned to the Captain. “Now Captain. Given this new information, I’m sure you and yours have yet more questions.”