private When Stars Collide 1x1 (private w/nx9100)

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This galaxy. As if there were others."  Jellico and Faron exchanged a look, as they followed Layton into the hall.  They watched the exchange quietly, then when the others joined them, he waved his officers to take seats.  For himself, he took Senotho's hand.

"Thank you," he said, shaking the other's hand.  "Captain Eric Jellico, U.S.S. Righteous Indignation, United Federation of Planets.  Visitors to...well, let's call it your area of space."  He looked the other over, feeling a sense of ease with him somehow.  "I hope our arrival hasn't caused any concern.  Apparently, we got caught in a pirate attack.  At least, according to Minister Layton," he said, nodding to him.  "I hope our visit can remain a peaceful one."

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“I see no reason why it shouldn’t be.”

Having now shaken hands with the man, Pilgrim was certain of two things. The captain was a good man, and that he and his crew were the source of that massive disturbance in the Force. He couldn’t tell why exactly but the Force moved oddly around them. Like dropping a stone in a river but instead of flowing around it, the water parted around the stone, not touching it. It was very strange and he wondered if it had anything to do with his vision.

As they took their seats Layton tried to regain control of the situation.

“Yes that damnded bureaucrat Moff Stencer couldn’t give a toss about his policing duties and Master Senotho can attest to Governor Gaius not providing me with adequate means to protect the citizenry on or around my moon.”

“The good Minister does speak truth on that matter Captain Jellico. Despite being well within their domain, the Empire’s presence in this sector has grown increasingly lax. Thus the spike in opportunistic pirates such as the ones you encountered. And that my Rangers and I are sitting at this table with you and him and not in a cell or worse.”

Layton was going to object to that but he couldn’t come up with a more artful way of phrasing his situation that just wasn’t a flat out lie.

Edited June 26, 2019 by Steel Accord

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Jellico listened carefully, noting the various titles and names being thrown around.  So, Layton is only a local politician, he thought, with a governor and someone called a moff above him.  Sounds like their empire is a big as it's name would imply.  He watched Layton's response to Senotho's comment about his group.  Must not be exactly on the same team.  Interesting.  

Lieutenant Faron leaned forward.  "Captain, if i may?" he asked.  Jellico nodded, and he continued.  "I am curious about your people," Faron said to Layton.  "Honestly, we were a bit surprised to encounter humans here.  I wonder, does your ancestry trace back to a colony ship?  Or some sort of exodus?"

Jellico allowed himself a small smile.  He'd been wondering that himself.  He was glad to have Lieutenant Faron with him to ask the odd questions....

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Layton chuckled a little nervously but he decided to humor them. Again he was trying to get them on his side. The clear reality that he was having trouble doing so where Senotho ingratiated himself so quickly into the situation really says something about the Imperial Academy's diplomatic curriculum, at least Senotho thought so in his admittedly biased perspective.

"Captain, that's one of the oldest questions in the Galaxy. Where did we come from?" He postulated, clearly excluding the non-humans present from that "we." Both Jeeg and Rita were about to say something but Phi kept them both quiet and Creel just grunted, clearly used to it. "Personally I'm partial to the theory that we ev olved on ancient Notron. That would be renamed what we know as Coruscant. I mean it makes sense no? It became the capital of the greatest civilization the Galaxy has ever seen."

Strangely it was not the Gungan or Toydarian that took such issue but the human looking clone. He said nothing but his expression darkened and Senotho could feel his anger rising. Senotho waved a flat hand and nodded to his friend. Signaling to keep cool. Grid took a breath and aloud Layton his opinion.

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Jellico listened as Layton answered Lieutenant Faron's question.  This brings up even more questions, Jellico thought.  I mean, they look like humans.  And our sensors registered them as human.  But is it possible that humans evolved in two different places?  He shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside.  It wasn't important at the moment, and he has a crew to worry about.  "I wonder, Minister, if it would be possible to view a starmap of your empire?  I think it's obvious by now, that we aren't from around here.  While I thank you for your hospitality, my primary goal must be to figure out where we are and how to get back home."  His shoulders stiffened.  "Our Federation is at war, and while one ship might not make a difference...." he paused, feeling the tension from his three officers.  "I would be grateful for any assistance you can give us." 

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“At war?” Layton himself leaned in. “My good captain, as Imperial citizens, you’re entitled to Imperial military protection.”

“Entitled to. At the mercy of.” Rita whined sarcastically. Layton either ignored her or didn’t care.

“ZK please. Bring up a galactic map so we can assist our friends.” ZK nodded and communicated with an astromech droid that wheeled up and threw open a holographic display of the galactic map, with a helpful political guide showing the regions and who controlled them. No surprise the Galactic Empire dominated most of it, including the sector they were currently in. Then there was Hutt Space. Nominally under Imperial control but the Hutts managed more independence than most. Then there were the margins of the map marked “contested” which was code for, rebellion, sedition, defection and other such acts.

Obviously the Federation, and neither its enemies appeared anywhere on it. He had to admit, Senotho was curious about Captain Jellico and his crew. He knew that they were somehow “new” but he wasn’t sure how and maybe this would help.

Edited June 14, 2019 by Steel Accord

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'Imperial Military protection'?  I hope that's just an offer of assistance, Jellico thought, while studying the starmap.  But I hope he's not taking that 'Imperial Citizen' term to literally.  He and the lieutenant studied the map carefully.  "Mr Faron?" he asked.

"I have no idea, Captain," came the response.  Faron's eyes darted back and forth, quickly reading the map and trying to spot ANY familiar system.  "All of this...nothing appears familiar.  I'd have to cross-check it against the ship's database to be certain, but in my opinion," he turned, and his eyes locked with Jellico's, "Captain, this is NOT our galaxy."

The room went quiet for a moment.  "I was afraid you would say that," said Jellico, looking over to Layton.  "Minister, our original guess appears to be correct.  Nothing here," he waved at the holomap, "matches anything we know about our own galaxy."  He took a moment to compose his thoughts, then began to tell them the story.  "We were investigating a nebula cloud that was giving off strange energy readings.  Our guess was either a natural phenomenon, or a possible enemy installation.  However, something happened that we still can't fully explain.  Apparently, a quantum subspace rift formed in the nebula, and as it collapsed it pulled my ship through.....and dumped us just outside your system."  He looked to the map again, not to study it, but as if looking up into space.  "That rift must have connected our two galaxies somehow, forming a passage between us.  You mentioned a planet that might be your homeworld."  A sigh.  "Our home is called Earth, or Terra for a more formal name.  We evolved there, and now it's the capital of the United Federation of Planets.  With over 150 member worlds, the Federation is a peaceful alliance of all races."  His eyes narrowed.  "But we don't control nearly as much of our galaxy as your Empire does here.  This," he waved a hand around the Empire's territory on the map, "is something I've never dreamed of.  A true galactic government.  Truly a marvel."

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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.”

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Jellico and Faron glanced at each other.  "That's an understatement," Jellico agreed, "but I don't think we're going to get very far sitting here playing Twenty Questions.  If I had to guess, I'd say there's a bit of tension around here."  His eyes moved between Layton and Senotho.  "I don't want to get my crew caught up in local politics.  Right now, all I want to focus on is a way to get us back to where we belong."  This time, he focused on Layton.  "Assuming you have the authority, would you be able to give us access to your empire's scientific database?"  He grinned.  "Classified material exempted, of course.  Hopefully, my science department can use your data, along with ours, to figure out how our...galaxies...were momentarily connected.  At least, enough to allow us to return."  He crossed his arms.  "If not, then I guess we should take our leave before causing you any more," a glance at Senotho, "political trouble..."

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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.

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"Thank you," Jellico replied, and turned to Faron.  "Mr Faron?"

The science officer stood up and stepped over to the droid.  "Fascinating technology," he said, looking it over.  "Both beyond, and below, our own computer technology at the same time."  He pulled his tricorder from his belt and flipped it open.  Tapping a few controls, he waved it in front of the droid.  "Simple mechanical systems, but a sophisticated computational array.  I would love to get a better look at the specifications for this device."

"Provided they aren't classified," Jellico cut in with a nod at Layton.

"Of course, Captain," Faron agreed, and tapped a few more controls on his tricorder.  "Let me see if I can access its database.  I should be able to download any information that it allows me to." 

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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.

Edited June 25, 2019 by Steel Accord

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Jellico listened as the Minister told him about the Empire itself.  Everything, from the Emperor and politics, to the basic scope of the Imperial Military, to descriptions of various worlds.  The captain sat quietly and took it all in, levels of fascination played over his face.  His own tricorder was sitting on the table, he having set it to record mode so he could share this info with his officers.  After about a thirty minute talk, he finally sat back.

"Minister," he began after a moment, "all of this....your Empire....it truly seems a marvel.  For ourselves, the Federation governs only a small part of our galaxy, and we share it with dozens of other major powers.  In fact, over half of our galaxy is still unexplored.  Humans back home have only had space travel for 400 years, but here," he looked around, "you say it's been thousands!  I can only hope that one day the Federation achieves the galactic level that your Empire has."

He took a moment to sample one of the offered drinks that they were given.  "Speaking of, let me tell you a little about the Federation.  A comparison would be fascinating, I would think..."  He then began to describe how the United Federation of Planets was formed, and led into a brief history....

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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?”

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Jellico was puzzled, not expecting such a question.  "Within the Fleet, there are enlisted ranks of crewmen.  Also, an admiral could have ensigns or lieutenants serving on their staff in such positions.  Sometimes ground-based facilities, such as Star Fleet Command, might employ civilians in such support roles."  He scratched his chin.  "It really all depends on each officer's skillset, rank, and of course their assignment.  Not everyone is cut out for starship duty, after all.  Why do you ask?"

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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.”

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Jellico listened to Phi's speech with alarm.  "Slavery?"  He asked, "Such a practice goes against everything the Federation stands for!"  He slammed his hands on the table which quickly standing.  

Seeing his captain's anger, one of the two security guards reached out to grab Jellico's arm.  "Captain," he said, "please, remember the Prime Directive."

"Yes sir," replied the other, "be reasonable.  We need their help, after all."

Suddenly, the badge on Jellico's uniform beeped.  "Righteous to Captain Jellico!"  said an alarmed voice, "Sir!  We have a situation!"

--------------------

"Commander!  New contact!" called the tactical officer.  "36 degrees off the port bow!  Unknown ship has just appeared!"

Commander Jenna Stevens jumped out of the center chair.  "Where did it come from!  I thought we had all local traffic mapped!"

"It just appeared out of subspace!  Local FTL technology I believe," said the ops officer.  "Getting a message on local frequencies..."

“This is Moff Caprid. Task force leader of the Imperial vessel Excursion you are to submit yourself and your crew for inspection.”

"Yellow Alert!" Stevens called.  "Raise shields!  And get me the captain!"

"Shields up!"

"Channel Open!"

"Righteous to Captain Jellico!  Sir!  We have a situation!"

--------------------

"Report!" Jellico said after tapping his badge.  

"A large ship has just appeared out of FTL.  Claiming to be an Imperial vessel.  A Moff Caprid is demanding we submit to inspection!  I've ordered Yellow Alert and raised shields!  Orders?"

"Stand by!" Jellico ordered, then turned to look Layton in the eye.  "Minister, can you identify this ship or this Moff Caprid?"

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“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.

Edited August 27, 2019 by Steel Accord

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Jellico nodded at Layton.  It's what I thought, their Empire is another form of the Dominion.  The similarities were plentiful, and he would be dammed if he let his ship fall to another Dominion-style enemy.  He tapped his badge again.  "Jenna!  Keep those shields up, but don't take any offensive actions yet."

"Should we launch the fighters?"

"Negative.  We've only got six remaining."  He paused, then gave Layton a slight grin.  "In fact, patch me into the comms.  I want to speak with this Moff Caprid."

"Stand by.  You're on captain."

"Moff Caprid," Jellico began, still looking at Layton.  His voice being transmitted from his badge communicator, to the ship, then to the Imperial vessel.  This is Captain Eric Jellico, commanding the U.S.S. Righteous Indignation of the United Federation of Planets.  We are...visitors...to this region of space, and have no hostile intentions.  At this moment, I am on the planet talking with Minister Layton about our situation."

He paused, still eyes on Layton, while waiting to hear this Moff Caprid's reply....

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“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.

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Jellico's face hardened.  He didn't take threats to his ship very lightly.  "Moff Caprid," he said sternly, "we are here on a mission of peace.  I have no wish to make enemies in this galaxy.  But my crew WILL defend our ship from any aggressive action."  His eyes narrowed.  "And that ship is the U.S.S. Righteous Indignation, 'property' of the United Federation of Planets!"  He double-tapped his commbadge to close the channel, and reopen it with his crew.  "Jenna!  Full impulse power!  Get the planet between you and the Imperial ship!  We're making for the shuttle, will contact you later!"

"Understood!  Good luck Captain!"

Jellico turned to Layton, just as Faron and the droid returned.  He relaxed just a bit, as his group was back together.  "Minister Layton, the hospitality and information was greatly appreciated, but," he waved up at the ceiling, "I'm afraid we might have just overstayed our welcome."  Shifting his gaze.  "Mister, Senotho, was it?  You mentioned getting us back to our shuttle?" he asked, picking up his tricorder and returning it to his belt....

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“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.

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Jellico and his three officers followed Senotho down the corridor.  He was grateful that his new friend was able to get their weapons back before they left.  Feeling his phaser in hand gave him that much more confidence.  As they walked, he leaned over to whisper something to Faron.  "Contact the shuttle," he said in a low voice, "lock it's systems down.  I don't want anyone looking too closely."

Faron nodded, and pulled out his tricorder, typing commands....

--------------------

Commander Jenna Stevens watched the tactical display on the main viewscreen.  In the center was a round sphere of the planet, separating the icons of both their ship and the Imperial pursuer.  A group of 12 smaller targets were fast approaching.  "Data on those ships?" she called out.

"Small craft, possibly fighters," said the ensign who took over the science station.  "Sensors show miniaturized ion drives, plasma-laser weapons..." he paused "...and no shields."

That got Jenna's attention.  "No shields?" she repeated.

"Negative," the ensign looked up from his console.  "Not even navigational shields.  Commander, they're completely unprotected!"

"That will make things easier," said the tactical officer, studying his own screens.  "One phaser shot each, shouldn't be a problem."  He looked up with a grin.  "But with such small mass, and no shields, we could just run them over.  Wouldn't even dent our own shields."

"I'll keep that in mind," Jenna sighed, turning back to the viewscreen.  "Let's just stay out of that big one's range, for now, until we hear from the Captain."  She tapped a control on her armrest.  "Bridge to Transporter Room One.  Still locked onto our people chief?"

"Negative," came the reply over the comm.  "They must have gone deeper into the structure, I can't scan inside.  Local minerals are interfering with sensors."

"Keep trying," she replied.  "Bridge out.  Helm, adjust our orbit, and take us slightly into the ionosphere.  Let's have the solar radiation mess with their sensors."

"Eye, eye, ma'am," replied the helmsman.  The Righteous changed it's path to dip into the planet's ionosphere, where the ions interacting with the natural solar radiation would hopefully hide them from the Imperial's sensors.  It was an old trick, and if it worked against their sensor technology, Jenna was betting it worked against the Imperial's too.

At least, she hoped....

Edited July 10, 2019 by nx9100

[Steel Accord 6,658]

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.”

[nx9100 1,013]

"Report!" ordered Jenna.

"All enemy fighters destroyed," said the tactical officer.  "Just as we thought, no shields or other defenses.  Single phaser shot each.  Nimble little things though..." he muttered the last part with a light shake of his head.

"And the Imperial ship?" she asked.

"Far side of the planet," the ops officer replied.  "We're easily able to keep it between us.  That ship may be big, but it's engines can't push it to sublight maneuvering speeds like we can."

"Alright," she said, rubbing her forehead.  "Let's keep it this way for now.  Watch for other ships and fighters."

--------------------

Jellico and his men were about to jump into the firefight when Senotho stepped out into the hail of fire.  "Wait-!" Jellico started, but stopped as he watched the other's movements.  All four of them were in awe as Senotho drew his energy-blade weapon and somehow was able to parry the shots coming from the troopers.  Then Senotho reached forward, Jellico felt a pressure wave...

...and stared in silent awe as the troopers were scattered around the corridor.

"Captain," Faron began, but stopped with a hand wave from Jellico.

"Master Senotho," he said, remembering the correct title from earlier, "that was....impressive.  If we had the time I would ask you about your abilities."  He glanced at Faron, who was checking his tricorder.  

"No additional lifesigns ahead," Faron reported.  "We're clear for the moment."

"Then let's keep moving," Jellico replied, turning to Senotho....