Chapter 11
Unknown location within the Zoloch sector:
Captain Haffard, Commander Harris, Commander Greene, and Ms Lyon all stood in the Moscow's hangar as the cigar shaped RC10 long range probe droid fired up its engines and exited the ship. After several moments, the craft vanished into hyperspace as another drone was readied for launch.
"How exactly does the drone work?" Lyon asked, looking at Haffard.
"Well it is essentially a small hyperdrive with thrusters, fuel tanks, long range sensors and cameras designed to scout and to perform reconnaissance missions. It will jump out of hyperspace far from an Imperial installation or fleet to avoid detection, then silently move towards them. It will transmit its findings back to us where we will relay it back to command." He explained.
"What if the Imperials or other hostels find it?" She asked.
"It is monitored constantly by a member of the crew here, who will take direct control of one if a problem arises. If it cannot escape, the vessel will self-destruct to avoid capture." He replied.
"Fascinating." She said as another one launched. "How many do you carry?"
"Our standard complement is only four, but we are carrying 20 because of the upcoming offensive. They are only 8 meters long, so making room for them is not difficult and does not require us to sacrifice any of our fighter wing or utility craft." Greene said.
"Speaking of that, we should be arriving at the agreed-upon coordinates in about an hour." Haffard looked at Lyon. "Are you prepared, Ma'am." He asked.
"Indeed I am." She replied.
About an hour later the cruiser reached its destination. It was a completely wild space, with no other objects as far as the long-range sensor suite could see. The only light outside the ship came from the glow of stars far off into the distance. A perfect spot to be hidden in.
A few moments later a ship of a similar size appeared. It was an old Munificent Class Star Frigate, a venerable design that had served large corporations and later the Separatists in the hundreds of thousands. Haffard had heard that on some days during the clone wars, dozens had been commissioned on the same day. But as time went on, they began to be lost in the hundreds each day, until the confederacy's war effort had collapsed with the shutdown of the droid army.
This particular ship had been heavily modified, with more facilities to accommodate more living crewmembers. Its armor was reinforced and now almost fully enclosed the interior space of the vessel, which had been left exposed under the original model. Dozens of turbolaser and ion emplacements lined the hull, more than had been in the original design. The general shape and size were the same, but besides that, it was almost unrecognizable.
"This is the star frigate Minotaur to an unidentified ship, please transmit clearance codes." The comms officer quickly transmitted the requested codes, and they were approved. T the Free Confederate ship.
"Moscow, you're authorized to land your team in hangar bay two. Seconds later the diplomatic shuttle that had originally embarked Lyon and her aides were doing so again, this time with Haffard Harris, and Brown. Four marines were also coming to stand guard around the shuttle.
Touching down in the hangar bay, Haffard could see a large number of old vulture droid starfighters suspended from the ceiling. Other small ships littered the bay, such as old and almost obsolete CloakShape fighters to newer Z-95 headhunters that looked to have dozens of aftermarket additions and modifications. Several shuttles and landing craft could also be seen. Droids and some living species were bustling around, tending the ships. Some appeared to be old B-1 battle droids reconfigured for manual labor, while others seemed to be dedicated maintenance units.
As he stepped out, he saw an old man with a large, ragged beard step forward. He looked old, perhaps in his 60's, with grey hair. Behind him was another person, a much younger man who looked like he was in his 20s.
"I'm Admiral Zut Gorky of the Free Confederacy. Welcome aboard the Minotaur." He held out his hand and Haffard shook it.
"Captain Drofa Haffard, it's good to meet you Admiral." He said, returning the handshake.
Harris, Brown, and Lyon shook hands with the admiral as he introduced the other person at his side. "This is Captain Codore Gent, commander of this ship and our best diplomat." Everyone shook hands with him, and Gorky led the group out of the hangar and into a wide corridor.
"This ship is different from the history books." Haffard remarked.
"You learned about the Confederacy during school?"
"I'm originally from Carida. I was part of the Imperial Navy's first operation to take Earth, and I defected after that battle. I was ready to go by then, and I took the opportunity to fight for a cause worth fighting for." Haffard said.
"Where did you serve before then?" Gent asked.
"Th Impassable as their executive officer. It was far from a pleasant experience." He replied.
"I heard many poor things about Admiral Ketchlow and Captain Made. It seems that they were significantly worse than most Imperials." Gent said.
"I can indeed confirm that it was most detestable." Haffard replied as they entered a spacious conference room.
"The information I and my intelligence opportoves gathered on Earth and the Imperial attempts to subjugate it were far from satisfactory. I want to hear the whole story." Gorky said. For the next half hour, the group explained all the events ranging from Earth's discovery of galactic civilization to the recent raid into Imperial space and the upcoming offensive.
"Fascinating." Gent murmured. "How the hell are you building ships so fast?"
"Because they are our planet's best chance at survival. We have to stop the Empire somehow, and we're dedicating a massive amount of resources to it." Haffard said.
"How was the decision made to attack Imperial space? What was the rationale behind sending your fleet deep into unknown territory against an Empire with near unlimited resources?" Gorky asked.
"The Empire took severe losses, especially in Star Destroyers during their attacks on Earth. Combined with your attacks, it has cost them half of their Star Destroyers and dozens of smaller ships. And they have been slow, very slow to reinforce and are nowhere close to regaining their original strength. We weren't going to get an opportunity that was this good potentially ever, so we're going to take it. It puts more space between Earth and the Empire. And remember the treaty Earth sighed with the Rebel Alliance? Well in exchange for all the stuff they were giving us as well as all the technical support, we had to attack the Empire." Haffard said.
"Interesting." Gorky said. "It takes tremendous courage to fight against the Empire in an offensive action like you are. Something I admit I haven't always had." Gent chuckled. "How do you plan to attack the Empire?" He asked
Haffard produced a data pad and pulled up a map of the sector, with some other areas such as Earth included. After a few more taps, the pad showed a line starting from Earth and branching out into multiple systems in the sector.
"These are the tentative plans for the offensive. There is only one hyperspace from the area we control into the Zoloch Sector. However, the first few systems are not well defended, and so will be easily taken. If we can be fast, the Empire will be left confused, hopefully weakening their response." He said, with everyone else nodding at his plans.
"Our fleet then splits up, going in different directions to reach several different systems. Garnison, Dydra, Nmjok, Zoloch, and several others." With the depleted strength of the sector forces, it should not be difficult to take many of these. He pointed to planets on the map.
"So then what do you want us to do?" Gorky asked.
"Do you have a rough estimate of your forces and where they are located?" Haffard asked.
"Are you planning to attack me?" He laughed. There were a few chuckles throughout the room as he spoke."
"I think we will eliminate you later." Lyon said, a smile appearing on her face. "You will have plenty of time to change your composition before we attack." More chuckles followed, as everyone could tell it was a joke.
"I have 16 large capital ships, including Lucrehulk battleships, Providence dreadnaughts, a Subjugator Heavy Cruiser, Bulwark Battlecruisers and more. Several dozen smaller but still respectable capital ships. Munificent Frigates and Recusant light destroyers. And over 150 hundred smaller ships, Class 1000s, Fantail Destroyers, Lupus missile frigates, a few old Dreadnaughts, a couple Sabaoth Destroyers, and plenty more." Gorky said. "As for fighters, most are old rebuilt vulture droids and some new ones that we have managed to produce. They are significantly better in almost every category than the originals. Faster, more agile, with better programming and a longer flight time make them dominate in dogfights wit fighters. We also have modified and upgraded all our other ones, both droids and non droids."
"What about ground forces?" Brown, the commander of the Moscow's marine detachment asked.
"We have completely fazed the old B1 units out of frontline combat service, though they are still used in support roles. They have been replaced with upgraded B2 Super Battle Droids as well as BX series Commando Droids, Droidekas, IG-100 Magnaguards, and Lr57 combat droids. These are supported by regular units manned by sentient lifeforms. These troops are backed up by tens of thousands of vehicles including upgraded models of AAT tanks, Multi Troop Transports, OG-9 homing spider droids, DSD1 dwarf spider droids, and many others. We have about a million combat ready battle droids with hundreds of thousands in reserve, and about 50,000 live soldiers of various different species, mostly as officers and their staff as well as special forces units and small groups of insurgents on the planets under Imperial occupation . But there are some brigades of live soldiers, " Gorky said.
"Impressive, most impressive." Brown said. "It will complement our ground forces well during combat." He said.
Gorky produced a data pad that showed a map of his fleets.
"We will begin attacking and liberating these worlds, before eventually linking up with your forces here." He stated.
"You intend to attack Garnizon I I ?" Haffard asked with surprise.
"Only after your forces get closer. The place still has a large number of defenses including half a dozen Golan Defense Platforms as well as the Imperial fleet in orbit. The area is also the main headquarters for the Imperial Army in the sector, as well as about a quarter of a million troops not counting local auxiliaries." Gorky said.
"That will be difficult to win against, but not impossible. I believe that both of our plans are satisfactory." Haffard said. "If there is nothing else to note, I think we can move on." He said.
"You have my agreement, Captain. What is next on your agenda?" Gorky asked.
"There seems to be a high chance of victory against the Empire in this sector." Lyon said to nods of agreement from the small group. "So we need to figure out what we are going to do after that." There were more more nods.
"I understand that you claim the entirety of this sector, Admiral. How do you intend to govern and control all of it?"
"Well to be quite frank, ma'am that wasn't exactly something we were thinking of before this. We thought it was a pipe dream at best." Gent said.
Haffard brought up a map with a line dividing the sector in half. "Once we finish conquering the area, I recommend splitting it in half for now. It will be within both of our resources to each occupy this land."
"That would be acceptable, Captain," Gorky said. "At least for now."
"Do you have the resources to occupy that land?" Lyon asked.
"We have a large number of battle droids as you might remember, and many of the people on these worlds are supportive of us. We hope to hand power to them as soon as possible." Gent said.
"Good, we intend to do the same thing," Lyon said. "Are there significant numbers of Imperial loyalists on planets in this sector?"
"Yes, mostly in the areas near large Imperial installations on both the ground and space. I am not sure if they will resist us when we find them." Gent said.
"I think they should be looked after but not outwardly treated differently than anyone else. We do not want to treat someone in a certain way just because of their political views." Lyon said.
"Alright, I think we have that settled. What else?" Gorky asked.
"Earth's varied industrial base has largely transitioned into a war economy. We're building as many things as we can, but we don't have enough people to use them. Armored vehicles, aircraft, and starfighters, blasters as well as food, medical supplies, and spare parts. Once we can link up with your forces, we can start transferring supplies to you." Lyon said.
"That would be excellent. We already have trouble finding a steady supply of those resources." Gorky said.
"We also have dispatched some probe droids to gather intelligence on major Imperial operations in this sector. They are surveying some planets with a large Imperial presence. We will give you the ability to access the probes and gather information like we are doing." Haffard said.
"Good, that will be very useful, " Gent said.
Haffard looked at Harris, Brown, and Lyon. "Then I believe that concludes our discussions for today." There were nods of agreement from the people present. "Unless there was anything else you wanted to discuss, Admiral, Captain." He looked at the two.
"Nothing else of note from us. Do you want a tour of the ship?"
"Yes indeed." Haffard said as the delegation from Earth got up. The two soon began showing them around the large ship. Harris, Brown, and Lyon were all interested and respectfully listening, but Haffard was the most interested.
"It is fascinating that this ship is in such good condition after so many years." Haffard said, walking through the halls of the Minotar."
"We have had only limited assets, so we must be sure to take extra care of them." Gent said.
"I believe that we should head back now, Admiral, Captain." Haffard looked at them and reached out his hand. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"The pleasure is ours." Gorky said, shaking it.
"I have a few other matters I would like to discuss with Captain Gent later if that is alright." Lyon said.
"That is perfectly fine, ma'am." Gent said.
As the delegation walked back to the hangar unescorted, Lyon pulled behind to talk to Haffard.
"What did you think?" He said.
"So far everything is good, but I want to find out more information about them. I intend to come back and speak with Gent a bit more later." Lyon said.
"Contact me when you are ready to come back. I'll send a shuttle to pick you up." He said as she turned around and walked the other direction.
A few hours later she returned to the Minotar, ditching her more formal diplomatic clothes for less formal dress. She silently noticed a number of the crew looking at her, but ignored it as she traveled to her destination.
She coincidentally found him walking down the hall in the opposite direction she was going. He looked intrigued to see her again, especially since the group had left. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. Had she just intimidated him?"
"Captain, it's good to see you again." She smiled warmly at him. He nodded and led her to his quarters, and offered her a chair.
"Shall I offer you a drink, Ms Lyon?"
"Indeed, I have not had the luxury of tasting any alcohol outside Earth." He grabbed a bottle from a concealed fridge and opened it, before grabbing two glasses.
"This is very strong." Lyon remarked.
"It's from Coreallia. Their alcohol is particularly strong." He replied. "So what exactly did you want to ask me about?" He asked.
"How did you become the main diplomat for this organization?" Lyon asked.
"Because no one else was willing to do it." They both laughed. "It really is a side job, only used on special occasions."
"So there aren't any other diplomatic personnel in the Free Confederacy?" She asked, intrigued.
"Well, a couple." He said nervously. "But it's only a side job. We don't have enough people to do this full time."
"Well maybe you should start. Because Earth will certainly not be the last faction you will establish relations with."
"Well yes, but we still have a war to fight."
"The Alliance is fighting a war, and scoring major victories. They have a full diplomatic core." She insisted.
"Well we don't have the resources for that." He retorted.
"Maybe not now." She said, "But later you might need one."
"Alright. You have a point." Gent said. He caught himself staring at her nimble, elegant form once again. He shook himself out of his hornyness.
"Is Admiral Gorky the only flag officer?" She asked, taking another sip of the Corellian ale.
"No, there are others. Most are stationed in other fleets spread across the sector." He replied.
"Based on his age, he looks like he served in the Clone Wars." She remarked.
"Apparently he was a Captain in the Garnizon Guard when the war broke out. The planet had people aligned with both sides, and he ended up supporting the separatists. Made his way up the ranks, eventually became an admiral as the war was going south for them. Won a good number of victories fighting all across the outer rim, but never was as brutal as some would want him to be. When the droid armies got deactivated, he got enough reactivated quickly and launched a guerrilla war that leads to this day."
He sighed. "As far as he's concerned the war never ended. After losses mounted in the first couple years he scaled back, and focused on building up his forces. What's about to happen here is two decades in the making."
"How did you end up here?" She asked, her voice now a much softer tone.
"My parents both served in the Seperatist Fleet. They stuck on past the deactivation and kept fighting. I was raised on Garnizon by my grandparents, and they died a year after the Empire rose. I wanted to continue their legacy, so I joined what was left of the fleet once I got old enough to be secretly whisked away. It's been 16 years now…" He trailed off.
They sat in silence for a bit, looking at each other. Gent found himself staring once again into her face, studying her beautiful features.
She finally decided to break the silence in a mischievous fashion. "Are you looking at something, Captain?" She said with a smirk. You could see what he was looking at and what he wanted from a hundred miles away.
His face became a bright shade of pink as he failed to respond. The smirk on Lyon's face turned into a smile. She was having some unexpected fun.
"Sorry Ma'am." Gent stammered. "I was ummm, just lost in my thoughts."
"First of all you don't have to call me ma'am in public." She responded. "And what exactly were you thinking about?" Her smile widened as she drew herself just a little bit closer to him.
His face got an even deeper shade of pink. "Well, I'll just have to guess what you mean." She said, kissing him.
"Tell me more. I want to know more." She said. This was all part of her plan. One that had a very intentional goal, but one that had some positive side effects."