A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far, Far Away…
THE EDGE OF THE OUTER RIM TERRITORIES
The Imperial Light Cruiser Trinity reached the designated coordinates, and waited. They had in their possession something they were eager to offload.
The formidable form of a wedge-shaped Capital Ship made an imposing sight as it emerged from the depths of deep space. It transitioned from hyperspace to real space, before moving alongside the cruiser.
The appearance of any heavily armed imperial warship was enough to instil fear throughout the galaxy, but that fear wasn't restricted to star systems under the Empire's control. Such was the reputation of the Star Destroyer Vengeance, and that of its enigmatic Commander.
When the Captain of the Trinity had received a request to transfer the prisoner into the Vengeance's custody, the instruction was complied with without argument.
IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER VENGEANCE
Every inch of the monolithic ship spoke of power and efficiency. Sleek, clean lines, a muted colour scheme, limited to grey, black and the glistening white of stormtroopers armour. It was a massive space, one devoid of warmth, sympathy or compassion. There was nothing to soften its appearance, or its purpose.
This was an instrument of war.
The prisoner walked through the cavernous corridors of the imposing Star Destroyer with her head held high. Her hands were secured by binders as she was escorted through the ship by a dozen stormtroopers.
Standard procedure would normally have seen her transported directly from the Imperial Cruiser to the Destroyers prison block. The fact that she was being paraded through the warship told her all she needed to know about just who it was she was dealing with, the reputation of this particular Commander was well known.
This knowledge, far from intimidating her only served to reinforce her determination to not be cowered. Her spine straightened that little bit more. She met the confident, smug expressions of every crew member that she passed. But when she slackened her pace one of the troopers reminded her who was in control as he shoved her roughly with the butt of his blaster to make her resume her former pace.
The Empire had maintained its control over the Galaxy by ruthlessly enforcing the philosophies of Governor Tarkin, who employed a policy of 'ruling through fear of force'. But as efficient and effective as those policies had been, it had also led to a substantial increase of systems joining the Rebel Alliance.
What had started out as a small, rather insignificant group, had over the intervening years, grown in size and capability, to become a genuine threat to the might and the power that the Empire wielded.
It had therefore become necessary to rethink this particular strategy.
The current technique employed by the Commander of the Vengeance was more subtle in its execution. It relied upon the ability to understand the particulars of any given group or individual, and then using that knowledge to work upon their insecurities, wearing them down, leaving them demoralised and defeated.
At that point they could either be turned as an agent for the Empire, or if they continued to prove uncooperative, they would be sent to work in one of the many Imperial Labour Camps that were in constant need of replenishment.
From the viewing platform above he observed her, studied and evaluated her. He couldn't see her face, but he could read in the way she held herself that she refused to be intimidated.
He admired her show of defiance. It would almost be a shame to destroy such fire and spirit. But then again it would make the exercise a far more pleasurable one.
When the hairs on the back of her neck suddenly stood to attention she knew instantly that she was under the scrutiny of the Vengeance's Commander.
Looking back over her shoulder, Rebel, Molly Hooper glanced up, straight into the eyes of the Empire's Grand Admiral Thrawn.