[War chamber, Imperial Star Destroyer Avenger]
Captain Mitan looked at the multitude of officers and divisional commanders in the chamber. About a dozen ship captains, lieutenants (obviously last minute replacements for fallen superiors), an unnerving number of Imperial intelligence commanders, plus the commanders of the armoured, gunnery, stormtrooper, scout, technical and TIE fighter corps. The survival of the Imperial forces would depend on their competence ... and loyalty. The bickering and scheming had already begun.
"I say we counterattack ... now! Strike Mon Mothma's armada while they're still licking their wounds!" one TIE fighter commander demanded.
"We should rally behind our strongest assets: those governors still loyal to the Empire. Establish a viable base of operations!" another intelligence commander insisted.
"We should complete the Emperor's wishes and destroy Luke Skywalker. The Rebellion will not stand without him!" a recently-promoted gunnery vessel captain hoped.
A vain hope, Mitan concluded. You're referring to the rebellion as if it hadn't just defeated Lord Vader and the Death Star.
"What is our most recent estimate of strength, Captain?" inquired the Light Armoured divisional commander. Many officers huddled around the table to listen.
"I'll begin with capital ships: the Star Destroyers. We have seven. The Vindicator is currently the flagship, commanded by recently appointed Admiral Tenvor. He is your new fleet admiral." Some officer openly groaned – perhaps hoping that the honour of fleet admiral would fall on them instead.
"The Relentless, led by Captain Silec. My ship, the Avenger. Plus, the Repulse, the Tyrant, the Nemesis and the Eradicator." He looked at a visibly exhausted lieutenant to the rear of the chamber. "Lieutenant, you're with the Repulse? Please repeat what you told me earlier ... for the benefit of those just arriving."
Lieutenant Sorris rubbed the bruise on his forehead. "The Repulse received the call for reinforcements from the Executor. Then we lost the transmission. We received word from a TIE fighter that the day was lost. Our captain immediately notified the Alliance that he wished to surrender. Our crew was already depleted. Several decks had been obliterated by intense cannon fire. We narrowly escaped a well-armed, Rebel-led Corellian fleet. Our captain had the support of two battalions of stormtroopers ..." The lieutenant caught his breath. No one spoke a word.
He continued. "I and others loyal to the Navy resisted the surrender. The firefight was ... we sustained many losses. They seized several shuttle and carrier craft and fled for an Outer Rim system – supposedly to make contact with the Alliance."
"How many men joined your captain?"
"One-third of the crew. 12,000 in total, including the captain and several bridge officers."
"Status of the Repulse?"
Lieutenant Sorris coughed. "A little over 18,000 left. Our TIE squadrons are intact. We wish to remain with your armada. I realize that we are in poor shape: few officers, limited experience. Please don't send us away!" He turned around, not realizing General Veers and Admiral Tenvor were already there in the chamber.
Veers asked the question none wanted to hear. "Casualties?"
Sorris wiped his brow. "After the battle with the Corellians, we lost 4,000 troops and crew. Another ... 6,000 ... repelling the captain's insurrection."
"Vile mutiny!" the officers cried.
"Yes," Tenvor looked at Captain Silec as he arrived in the chamber. "Mutiny, indeed."
"You survived a battle with a Corellian fleet and successfully defended your starship against its own captain!" Veers exclaimed. "By authority of the Imperial Council, I grant you the field commission of captain." The room exploded in applause.
Tenvor presented Sorris with a new, pressed uniform and rank insignia. "We won't detain you any longer, Captain Sorris. See to your crew. Repair your Star Destroyer. I will notify you of new developments." The new captain beamed, bowed in salute and left for the Repulse.
All heads turned to General Veers.
"I trust you have already read my communique. Status of your ships and troop strength."
Each officer and commander reported. All pledged loyalty to the provisional Imperial Council. But with depleted troops, vessels and differing opinions on the next course of action, this armada posed no immediate danger to the New Republic. That will have to change. Soon.
Veers looked at some of the intelligence commanders, mumbling to their superiors. Plotting, it seemed.
"Commander Burvik is your ranking intelligence officer?" Veers asked Tenvor.
"Yes, General." Tenvor replied.
"And he is loyal to the Empire?"
"Yes."
"Instruct him to retrieve whatever personnel data the Executor relayed to us just before it exploded." Veers looked across at the seemingly impressive cohort of Imperial leaders. How many of you can I trust? How many of you are merely treading water until the Alliance offers you a better deal?
He looked at the monitors, detailing the status of the fleet. The Repulse had endured tremendous damage. It would not be battle ready for weeks. It didn't matter. Its crew proved their worth – gave their lives – because they believed. Yes, -- believed – in the Empire. In order.
It is for soldiers like them that I will keep a tight rein on the intrigues that often interfered with the Empire's conquests in the pasts. Vainglorious governors who attempted to carve personal fiefdoms in the galaxy, purchasing their power with the lives of Imperial troops. My troops. Ambitious captains who recklessly sought wealth, influence and authority – wasting the lives of their pilots and battalions on pointless adventures.
Veers looked at the eyes of the TIE and stormtrooper commanders. I know what you fear. Some of these fools may waste the lives of your men. That will not happen. Not while I am still a general.
"Sir?" Captain Mitan asked.
"We shall discuss a recent development ... the Alliance's interest in the Bespin galaxy .." Veers began. We need a course of action soon. Or more captains may choose a fate in the New Republic's ranks.
[Aboard Admiral Ackbar's flagship]
The Rebel forces were tense. Despite the destruction of the Death Star and the Emperor, they were still receiving troubling reports. Some Imperial governors choosing to fight instead of surrendering. The Corellian fleet's encounter with a Star Destroyer. At least Coruscant was under Alliance control now.
"So we are agreed?" Ackbar asked the squadron commanders and generals.
"Yes," General Madine replied, "we plan several strategic attacks at once. We can't allow the remnants of the Imperial Navy regroup for a counterattack." Several nods of approval in the crowd.
Ackbar scratched his head. "My only fear is that we may weaken the strength of our main fleet, if we divert too many ships across the galaxy."
General Lando Calrissian stepped forward. "The Empire's troops are on the run. What they'll need are supplies: for their ships, for their troops. Their ships must be in poor shape, after the pasting we gave them in Endor! But we can't be too confident. We have reports that several Imperial battlecraft – carriers, gunships, even some Star Destroyers – were in Outer Rim systems when the Empire collapsed."
"Your suggestions?" Madine wondered.
"Two strategic strikes." Lando pressed a button, revealing a holographic image of the galaxy. "A show of force: here at the Sienar Fleet Systems shipyards. They have a main facility just outside Corellian space. We have to disable their ability to repair and upgrade their ships ... and prevent them from building new ones. And we must take Bespin back. It's still in Imperial hands. The Tibanna gas mines are a critical source for blaster power. Take away their ability to rearm ..."
"... and the Imperial forces would be as harmless as a toothless Wampa." Ackbar declared. "General Calrissian ... assemble your attack squadron. The main fleet will deploy to the rendezvous near the Corellian system. May the Force be with you."
The commanders and pilots dispersed. Lando walked over to Wedge Antilles, commander of Rogue Squadron.
"If you and your pilots are committed to another mission, I'll understand, but the recapture of Bespin is – important – to me. I feel partly responsible for their predicament ..."
Wedge interrupted. "Lord Vader forced your hand. Anyway, that's ancient history. You just destroyed the Death Star!"
Lando grinned. "So will you join me? When we win ... I am going to throw the biggest party this galaxy has ever seen!"
Wedge laughed. "You can count on Rogue Squadron ... just make sure I get an invitation to the big bash after!"
Lando, Wedge and the pilots of Rogue Squadron departed from the main Alliance fleet. Destination: Bespin.
Captain Mitan looked at the multitude of officers and divisional commanders in the chamber. About a dozen ship captains, lieutenants (obviously last minute replacements for fallen superiors), an unnerving number of Imperial intelligence commanders, plus the commanders of the armoured, gunnery, stormtrooper, scout, technical and TIE fighter corps. The survival of the Imperial forces would depend on their competence ... and loyalty. The bickering and scheming had already begun.
"I say we counterattack ... now! Strike Mon Mothma's armada while they're still licking their wounds!" one TIE fighter commander demanded.
"We should rally behind our strongest assets: those governors still loyal to the Empire. Establish a viable base of operations!" another intelligence commander insisted.
"We should complete the Emperor's wishes and destroy Luke Skywalker. The Rebellion will not stand without him!" a recently-promoted gunnery vessel captain hoped.
A vain hope, Mitan concluded. You're referring to the rebellion as if it hadn't just defeated Lord Vader and the Death Star.
"What is our most recent estimate of strength, Captain?" inquired the Light Armoured divisional commander. Many officers huddled around the table to listen.
"I'll begin with capital ships: the Star Destroyers. We have seven. The Vindicator is currently the flagship, commanded by recently appointed Admiral Tenvor. He is your new fleet admiral." Some officer openly groaned – perhaps hoping that the honour of fleet admiral would fall on them instead.
"The Relentless, led by Captain Silec. My ship, the Avenger. Plus, the Repulse, the Tyrant, the Nemesis and the Eradicator." He looked at a visibly exhausted lieutenant to the rear of the chamber. "Lieutenant, you're with the Repulse? Please repeat what you told me earlier ... for the benefit of those just arriving."
Lieutenant Sorris rubbed the bruise on his forehead. "The Repulse received the call for reinforcements from the Executor. Then we lost the transmission. We received word from a TIE fighter that the day was lost. Our captain immediately notified the Alliance that he wished to surrender. Our crew was already depleted. Several decks had been obliterated by intense cannon fire. We narrowly escaped a well-armed, Rebel-led Corellian fleet. Our captain had the support of two battalions of stormtroopers ..." The lieutenant caught his breath. No one spoke a word.
He continued. "I and others loyal to the Navy resisted the surrender. The firefight was ... we sustained many losses. They seized several shuttle and carrier craft and fled for an Outer Rim system – supposedly to make contact with the Alliance."
"How many men joined your captain?"
"One-third of the crew. 12,000 in total, including the captain and several bridge officers."
"Status of the Repulse?"
Lieutenant Sorris coughed. "A little over 18,000 left. Our TIE squadrons are intact. We wish to remain with your armada. I realize that we are in poor shape: few officers, limited experience. Please don't send us away!" He turned around, not realizing General Veers and Admiral Tenvor were already there in the chamber.
Veers asked the question none wanted to hear. "Casualties?"
Sorris wiped his brow. "After the battle with the Corellians, we lost 4,000 troops and crew. Another ... 6,000 ... repelling the captain's insurrection."
"Vile mutiny!" the officers cried.
"Yes," Tenvor looked at Captain Silec as he arrived in the chamber. "Mutiny, indeed."
"You survived a battle with a Corellian fleet and successfully defended your starship against its own captain!" Veers exclaimed. "By authority of the Imperial Council, I grant you the field commission of captain." The room exploded in applause.
Tenvor presented Sorris with a new, pressed uniform and rank insignia. "We won't detain you any longer, Captain Sorris. See to your crew. Repair your Star Destroyer. I will notify you of new developments." The new captain beamed, bowed in salute and left for the Repulse.
All heads turned to General Veers.
"I trust you have already read my communique. Status of your ships and troop strength."
Each officer and commander reported. All pledged loyalty to the provisional Imperial Council. But with depleted troops, vessels and differing opinions on the next course of action, this armada posed no immediate danger to the New Republic. That will have to change. Soon.
Veers looked at some of the intelligence commanders, mumbling to their superiors. Plotting, it seemed.
"Commander Burvik is your ranking intelligence officer?" Veers asked Tenvor.
"Yes, General." Tenvor replied.
"And he is loyal to the Empire?"
"Yes."
"Instruct him to retrieve whatever personnel data the Executor relayed to us just before it exploded." Veers looked across at the seemingly impressive cohort of Imperial leaders. How many of you can I trust? How many of you are merely treading water until the Alliance offers you a better deal?
He looked at the monitors, detailing the status of the fleet. The Repulse had endured tremendous damage. It would not be battle ready for weeks. It didn't matter. Its crew proved their worth – gave their lives – because they believed. Yes, -- believed – in the Empire. In order.
It is for soldiers like them that I will keep a tight rein on the intrigues that often interfered with the Empire's conquests in the pasts. Vainglorious governors who attempted to carve personal fiefdoms in the galaxy, purchasing their power with the lives of Imperial troops. My troops. Ambitious captains who recklessly sought wealth, influence and authority – wasting the lives of their pilots and battalions on pointless adventures.
Veers looked at the eyes of the TIE and stormtrooper commanders. I know what you fear. Some of these fools may waste the lives of your men. That will not happen. Not while I am still a general.
"Sir?" Captain Mitan asked.
"We shall discuss a recent development ... the Alliance's interest in the Bespin galaxy .." Veers began. We need a course of action soon. Or more captains may choose a fate in the New Republic's ranks.
[Aboard Admiral Ackbar's flagship]
The Rebel forces were tense. Despite the destruction of the Death Star and the Emperor, they were still receiving troubling reports. Some Imperial governors choosing to fight instead of surrendering. The Corellian fleet's encounter with a Star Destroyer. At least Coruscant was under Alliance control now.
"So we are agreed?" Ackbar asked the squadron commanders and generals.
"Yes," General Madine replied, "we plan several strategic attacks at once. We can't allow the remnants of the Imperial Navy regroup for a counterattack." Several nods of approval in the crowd.
Ackbar scratched his head. "My only fear is that we may weaken the strength of our main fleet, if we divert too many ships across the galaxy."
General Lando Calrissian stepped forward. "The Empire's troops are on the run. What they'll need are supplies: for their ships, for their troops. Their ships must be in poor shape, after the pasting we gave them in Endor! But we can't be too confident. We have reports that several Imperial battlecraft – carriers, gunships, even some Star Destroyers – were in Outer Rim systems when the Empire collapsed."
"Your suggestions?" Madine wondered.
"Two strategic strikes." Lando pressed a button, revealing a holographic image of the galaxy. "A show of force: here at the Sienar Fleet Systems shipyards. They have a main facility just outside Corellian space. We have to disable their ability to repair and upgrade their ships ... and prevent them from building new ones. And we must take Bespin back. It's still in Imperial hands. The Tibanna gas mines are a critical source for blaster power. Take away their ability to rearm ..."
"... and the Imperial forces would be as harmless as a toothless Wampa." Ackbar declared. "General Calrissian ... assemble your attack squadron. The main fleet will deploy to the rendezvous near the Corellian system. May the Force be with you."
The commanders and pilots dispersed. Lando walked over to Wedge Antilles, commander of Rogue Squadron.
"If you and your pilots are committed to another mission, I'll understand, but the recapture of Bespin is – important – to me. I feel partly responsible for their predicament ..."
Wedge interrupted. "Lord Vader forced your hand. Anyway, that's ancient history. You just destroyed the Death Star!"
Lando grinned. "So will you join me? When we win ... I am going to throw the biggest party this galaxy has ever seen!"
Wedge laughed. "You can count on Rogue Squadron ... just make sure I get an invitation to the big bash after!"
Lando, Wedge and the pilots of Rogue Squadron departed from the main Alliance fleet. Destination: Bespin.