Chapter 26

Down on the surface of Garnizon deep within the ground, Major Petrova and Sergeant Meyer awoke from their sleep. It had been the best sleep either of them had had in a while, and it probably had something to do with the fact that they were sleeping together.

At first, both of them were content to stay within each other's arms for some time longer. However, both of them could hear footsteps outside the small room, and both jumped up to look less scandalous. At least they had mostly kept their clothes on.

There was a knock on the door and after gaining the confidence that no one would have any ideas about what happened in there, Petrova opened the door. Taylor emerged, looking like she had slept well but also fully in uniform now.

"You two slept well I assume." She said.

"Yes, you?" Petrova replied.

"Good as well. We have news from orbit, the Empire has been defeated and has restarted from the system. Johnson is sending several shuttles down to pick us up, and they will be here within half an hour."

"Took them long enough," Hans said.

"Tell everyone to get ready and to be up by the entrance in 20 minutes." Petrova said, "Those who are coming with us, at least." Most of the Free Confederacy and the civilians would be staying. After a few minutes of packing up, Talyor pulled Petrova into another side room.

"How did you do with Hans?" She asked with a smirk on her lips.

"What do you mean?" Petrova said. She didn't want to let anyone know what had happened. She was a superior officer and he was under his command.

"You seriously think that nothing happened in there with Hans?" Taylor replied. "You looked a bit worried when I knocked, which indicates something was going on there." She smiled slyly.

Petrova had the option of taking disciplinary action against Taylor. But Taylor had done exemplary work the past few days, and while it shouldn't be a factor in punishment, she was one of her few friends. Additionally denying that at least something had happened in there and punishing her would only further encourage her perspective. And Petrova also thought that what she was saying came from a genuinely good place of trying to help her.

"There were some revelations." She said diplomatically."

"Whatever happens I wish you good luck. Navigating relationships, especially in the positions and states you both are in, will be challenging." Taylor said. "I hope that this works out."

"I hope so as well," Petrova said. She looked at the clock. "Let's get ready to leave."

Imperial Lieutenant Dravon Jent was brought into the sparsely used cargo bay, under heavy guard by several marines. Meeting in the crowded holding cell would be unrealistic, as they would potentially be discussing sensitive information.

"You're Lieutenant Jent, I assume," Johnson asked. He was standing nearby, with Haffard and Aing behind him. A holographic projector also displayed Admiral Gorky, who had been intrigued by the possibility of the Imperial prisoner.

"Yes, Admiral. I was sent by Moff Illustrious of the Tibannas Sector to give you a message and allow her to contact you."

"Why does she want to contact me?"

"Her interests are different than the ones of other Imperial sectors in the region. And she is not nearly as cruel as the other officials in the Empire."

"What are these interests?"

"She desires not to participate in this conflict until necessary."

"How can I trust your word?"

"On section 726, guest quarters 17 of the Imperial shipyard 1, there is a communications device in storage compartment 3, not standard to the Imperial military. If you bring it to me, I can contact her directly." He replied.

Johnson contemplated his options for several moments before deciding. It was worth a try. He spoke to the officer on the Imperial shipyard, who had the room searched and found the comms device. 10 minutes later, a group of marines brought it in. They also uncuffed the young officer so he could handle the device.

"Don't try anything Lieutenant. It won't be worth it for you." Johnson said.

The young officer didn't respond, busy looking at the device. After several seconds he spoke up. "I have the Moff on the line."

"How did you get here so fast?"

"She was expecting a call since she ordered the mission." He replied. "And I am her primary aide."

"How do you know she will pick up?"

"She is usually in her quarters now, if I am correct on the time difference." He replied.

After a few moments, the Moff connected on the other line. "Lieutenant, how has your mission gone?" Her voice said.

"I am currently a prisoner of Earth's, and Admiral Johnson has generously given me the ability to speak to you. He is here, as well as some of his senior officers and Admiral Gorky of the Free Confederacy via hologram. Do you wish to speak to them?"

"Indeed. Good work Lieutenant." He said handing the device to Johnson.

"Admiral Johnson, your reputation is starting to proceed you across this region of Imperial space."

"Thank you, but I assume you didn't call to exchange pleasantries. What do you want from me?" He asked.

"From my understanding, you and your allies are on the verge of occupying the Zoloch Sector. If you attempt to do the same with the Tibannas sector, the results will be heavy losses for both of us. I am willing to stay out of any conflict with you so long as you do not move into the Tibannas sector. Unless of course, either of us attacks one another."

"What motivates you to do this?"

"There is little to gain if I join in the conflict. I already supply most of the surrounding sector's Tibanna gas, and they will only buy more with the conflict. If I chose to fight I would lose ships and the people who crew them, both very valuable resources. And I have no loyalty to the corrupt and incompetent sycophants who run the sectors that surround mine. They have done a poor job at serving the needs of the people under their command, which is bad by itself, but also encourages rebel activities that further hurt them."

Johnson said nothing for a moment before replying. "I understand." He said. "I and the other senior officers of Earth's Navy as well as the leadership of the free confederacy have been reluctant to move against your sector, as invading it would be a significantly higher cost than the invasion of the Zoloch Sector." He turned to the holographic form of Admiral Gorky.

"Is there anything you wish to bring up, Admiral?"

"I assume this agreement will carry over to the Free Confederacy." He said.

"Yes, it will. It was already in effect in an informal manner." Illustrious replied. Few rebel groups had ever decided to enter that sector unless they were deeply undercover. The area simply was loyal to her leader.

"I believe that this arrangement will benefit all of us," Johnson said. "I am wondering, do you want anything else from us?"

"The return of Lieutenant Jent would be appreciated. I am sure you have captured many shuttles over and on Garnizon, and he is fully capable of piloting them."

"That can be arranged," Johnson said. "Anything else?"

"For you to keep this communications device. If you do so I may be able to inform you of developments within sectors you plan to attack."

"I will do so," Johnson replied. "Thank you for this opportunity to benefit both of us."

"You're welcome. It does benefit both of us." Illustrious said, ending the transmission. Johnson looked at the Lieutenant.

"Let's get you a shuttle." He said, leading the group out of the room.