Chapter Two
In the dead empty space of a backwater system, Corinthian Rain drifted under the watchful attentions of the Victory Destroyer, Iron Butterfly. Off in the distance floated the wreckage of an Interdiction Cruiser.
Captain Druffies hobbled around the command deck of his bridge. Blood from a scalp wound covered his face and his uniform tunic, and he stood like a blood-stained statue as various crews tried frantically to repair systems in case the mysterious Mon Calamari ships returned.
"Here is the finalised damage report sir," reported an engineering specialist handing over a datapad.
Still shocked from the beating Rain had received, Druffies forgot to return the engineers salute or even to thank him - a forgivable lapse in Imperial Protocol, given the circumstances.
The report made for grim reading. Over half the Heavy Turbo Lasers were destroyed, and only a handful of the remaining guns had computer assisted targeting. His ship had lost its topside shields and, somehow, the Mon Cal's had managed to destroy the majority of his TIE fighter wing. Over five hundred of his crew lay dead in Cryo and one thousand more men and women lay injured in the ships overtaxed infirmary. Snare Trap was a complete loss - all hands had went down with the ship. No survivors were detected.
Druffies set down the datapad and punched in the sequence on his command board to send a Holonet transmission to the Admiral in charge of this sector fleet. It was time to face the music.
It wasn't long until Admiral Benaq himself requested a visual report of the disaster.
"Put him through to my ready room ensign," ordered Druffies, finally leaving the bridge.
He entered his day room, located aft of the command bridge, and prepared himself for the worst. Standard Imperial procedure: hope for the best but expect the worst.
Benaq's imposing features appeared on the holoprojector in the middle of the room.
"I think you better explain yourself, Druffies, starting with how you let a billion credit Cruiser explode in to scrap," demanded Benaq.
Benaq was a native of Corellia and Admiral of the Corellian sector fleet. Corellia was a system known for smugglers, pirates and low-level crime. In an attempt to disprove the Corellian stereotype, Benaq prided himself on being an "Imperial's Imperial," a concept which made things quite difficult on the men under his command. Yet, despite this, Benaq sported a neatly trimmed beard - a violation of Imperial Navy Regulations.
"My men did their best, sir. We where ambushed and out gunned. Despite this we survived," retorted Druffies, defending his crew from obvious criticism.
"Yes. Against two passenger liners full of fish, very admirable. I'm sure the crew of Snare Trap appreciate that. Frack it, Druffies, that was the only Interdictor in my fleet!" snorted Benaq.
"They may have started life as a passenger liner, Admiral, but those monstrosities where each packing as much firepower as my ship and their Shield and Hull Armour rating were superior."
"Yes, but no matter now. You look a mess, Druffies. A true Imperial leads best by leading from the front. If you're at the front you must look your best. Get your head looked at and put on a fresh uniform."
Druffies was astonished to be let off so easily. "Yes Admiral," he replied. "What repair dock will I report to? Corellia?"
"No," said Benaq, with a vicious gleam in his eye. "You are to go to Coruscant. Corinthian Rain has an appointment with dry dock there. And you, Druffies… You have an appointment with the Emperors own Imperial Inquisitors. Any sins you have in your heart will be uncovered soon enough."
Druffies was so shocked he couldn't talk. Imperial Inquisitors were the nightmare every Imperial Captain feared. Myth and rumour about them was rife in the armed services of the Empire. If one took a dislike to you, not only would you never be seen again but neither would you family or anyone who knew them.
"I'd like to say it's been nice knowing you, Druffies, but that would be a lie. Hopefully the next Captain of Corinthian Rain won't be another of Thrawn's boot lickers. You alien lovers make me sick. Good day Captain."
With that the holoprojection of Benaq winked out and was replaced with Navy logo. Normally a symbol of hope and joy, Druffies looked upon Imperial Emblem with a sense of dread and fear he had not felt since he saw the pictures of his devastated home world last.
To be continued…