"Down with the Empire!"
Qarj Sol-Salla cheered alongside his fellow Rebels at the end of General Iblis' riveting speech. His back was slapped by a friend as they jeered together. He merged with the mob of enthusiastic comrades as they made their way towards the hanger. It was time for another raid.
Communications had detected that an Imperial task force would be engaging in operations above Tatooine or something. He did not care for the details. He trusted his superiors to point him towards the right targets.
Boarding a transport, Sol - as his friends called him - strapped himself in and began inspecting his weapon. It was an older model than the standard issue rifle, but it still functioned just as well as the others. It was his father's rifle. He died in service to the Rebellion, and Sol intended to continue the fight.
He smiled as the lights began flashing, and he could feel the transport leave the hangar.
"Those Imperials won't know what hit 'em!"
"-arrived safely on the surface and secured Jabba's palace as well as the main spaceports. We have faced fierce resistance, though it has had the unexpected benefit of allowing us to clearly identify our targets from the civilians."
Admiral Sabel stroked his chin as he listened to Veers' third status report. Kiell could tell that he was deep in thought, she had seen him like this over the course of her last tour of duty. She took the opportunity to put in her own question.
"How much support have we received by the populace?"
"We were met with initial skepticism by the locals, but we have turned around the opinion of those who're victims of the corruption that has plagued this planet. We've freed slaves, provided medical assistance and promised protection. A great many locals have actually assisted us in our operations. We even have a volunteer division fighting alongside our units in Mos Espa."
The Admiral nodded in approval. "Carry on then, General."
"Yessir."
Sabel stared out the bridge in time to see the Ravager destroy another ship attempting to flee the blockade. The operation was going ahead of schedule, and casualties were minimum. The hint of a smile on his face faded as he noticed something drop out of hyperspace.
"Sir!" shouted the sensor officer, "It's-"
"A Rebel fleet..."
Kiell began shouting orders.
Sol laughed as the pilot explained how the Imperials were caught by surprise.
"You can see the Ravager falling apart right there."
He eagerly asked whether the ship had any weapons and was delighted when the pilot chuckled an affirmative.
"What's the closest Star Destroyer?"
The pilot looked at his sensor's output before pointing out the viewport.
"Let's give them a little love on our way down then."
"Yes sir," the pilot mocked with a massive grin on his face.
Captain Kiell yelled louder, barely controlling the bridge. Sabel just kept gazing out the window. She scowled to herself as she directed the entire fleet herself. The Admiral was a competent officer, but nothing special. She had been behind all his major victories. His planning skills were incredible, but he was woefully ill equipped to handle unexpected variables. For example, a rebel fleet jumping into the system.
The crew performed well in the academy but were inexperienced. None of them had ever entered a combat zone before. Usually, she was sympathetic and always willing to mentor anyone and everyone. But now lives were at stake and she was acting Admiral, so she did what she did best. Her duty.
However, if there's any post where a commanding officer wouldn't want an inexperienced individual to hold in it would be the sensory officer. Unfortunately, this was the case on the Vesperia. Lieutenant Aaft Eire failed to keep track of all the ships on his screen, and thus failed to notice the approaching transport ship. The entire bridge noticed, however, when a storm of lasers appeared from what - due to the poor Lieutenant's inexperience - nowhere.