3. A New Direction
"It's no use saying, we are doing our best. You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary." Winston Churchill
The Emperor had given each Grand Admiral (along with other senior Imperials) some of his secrets (research projects etc) for them to be aware of (or even run) and keep safe for him or as rewards just to make sure they remain loyal with the hint that more of his secrets would be given to them over time. The Emperor had so many secret projects, these numbered into the thousands (each varying in size, like the first Death Star under Tarkin), scatted throughout the Empire, with some of these projects being under the control of the Emperors underlings, such as Grand Admiral Teshik. No one within the Empire (except the Emperor) knew the full extent or the numbers or locations of all these secret projects that the Emperor was operating at any one time.
Grand Admiral Teshik knew the locations of only a few of the Emperors secrets, one in particular that the Emperor gave him just prior to Endor and will be of great use in the short term. With the cargo-holds of the Eleemosynary virtually empty (thanks to the deployment of the garrison base), Teshik can use the Eleemosynary to transport the equipment to his base in the unknown regions.
Grand Admiral Teshik will also relocate the families of the remaining crewmembers to Sanctuary Base, this part is much easier than Grand Admiral Teshik had anticipated it would be, as the state of disarray the galaxy is in it is good cover for such an operation. As a lone Imperial class star destroyer, jumping from system to system, collecting Imperial personnel is practically ignored by the various Imperial factions and the New Republic takes only a casual interest in this lone star destroyer.
The Eleemosynary IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) will be reconfigured to resemble that of the Imperial class star destroyer Invincible II, so if the Eleemosynary is scanned neither the Rebels nor the various Imperial factions, will not know that Grand Admiral Teshik is still alive. The knowledge that Teshik is still alive would cause Teshik too many problems in acquiring the various projects and families of the remaining crewmembers and transferring them to Sanctuary Base.
However, the Emperor's secret bases come first, then rescuing the families of the crewmembers, comes next.
This first of the Emperors secret bases that Grand Admiral Teshik to deal with is one holding the schematics, production machinery and prototypes of most of the advanced fighter projects of the Empire.
Base Epsilon
In the void between star systems, the Emperor had found a small moon sized planet, this moon was drifting between the star systems, which the Emperor had converted into a base of one of his numerous secret research projects. How this moon came to be drifting between the stars no one could understand and the Emperor was not interested how, the Emperor was only interested in setting up a research base on this lone moon. Once of the first thing the Emperor was to halt the moons current movement between the stars.
As soon as the Eleemosynary drops out of hyperspace, the communications operator sends a recognition signal so that the bases defences will not immediately open fire on the Eleemosynary, a few moments after the recognition signal has been sent the communications operator says, "Admiral we are being hailed."
Teshik replies, "Put it through" in front of Teshik command chair a holographic image of a man in an Imperial uniform, with the rank of Captain in the Imperial navy, along with a patch indicating he is also a pilot.
The navy captain is slightly surprised to see Teshik as he though the Grand Admiral was dead, then he says, "Greetings Grand Admiral Teshik, how may I help you?"
Teshik replies, "It is more of how I can help you Captain Morrison"
Captain Morrison frowns and asks, "How you can help me Grand Admiral?"
Teshik replies, "Yes Captain, I intend to relocate this base and all of the resources allocated to a base deep within the unknown regions."
Captain Morrison frowns and says, "A base within the unknown regions, why bother to move we have not been discovered by the so call New Republic?"
Teshik replies, "That is true Captain, however in the long term this may change, in addition I will be activating your two fighter-wings and integrate them into my own forces."
Captain Morrison says, "Interesting Grand Admiral, by why do you need my two fighter wings, your resources should be sufficient."
Teshik replies, "Unfortunately they are not Captain, it is a long story if you join me I will brief you on it. I will also be moving several of the other secret projects that are also under my care, to my base within the unknown regions, all I need to know from you, is are you Captain going to obey my orders?"
For several moments, Captain Morrison thinks about what Grand Admiral Teshik has told him, Teshik knows that Captain Morrison will be tempted by the offer of returning to active service rather than guarding Epsilon Base.
Captain Morrison then says, "I will join with you Grand Admiral Teshik, as my last orders from the Emperor where to follow your orders, so I place the resources of Epsilon Base at your disposal, I await you command Grand Admiral Teshik."
Teshik replies, "Thank you Captain Morrison for you support. My first order is to begin evacuating the personnel and resources from Epsilon Base. Can you let me know the volume of the resources that need evacuating, as I will need to know if they will fit inside my star destroyers empty cargo bays?"
Captain Morrison replies, "That will not be necessary sir, I have two Star Galleon class frigates available for evacuation."
Teshik smiles and says, "That is excellent news Captain you may begin evacuation as soon as possible. You will transfer a wing of starfighters to my command ship the rest will be transported to their new base within the unknown regions."
Captain Morrison replies, "Understood Admiral I will begin at once."
It will take several months to strip this base of its equipment and supplies however they have plenty of time, as no one knows that this base exists.
Captain Morrison active fighters will be transferred onboard the Eleemosynary to serve as the Eleemosynary fighter wing. These fighters will be a mix of TIE Advanced also known as the TIE Avenger (36) and TIE Defenders (36) given the Eleemosynary a powerful fighter wing.
Fighter Wings
It takes only a few months for Teshik and the crew of the Eleemosynary to ship the resources and personnel to Teshik's base in the Unknown Regions, as well as the families of the Eleemosynary crew. The Emperors secrets are a mix of technology, personnel and equipment of various sorts, most of the personnel are happy to be moved far away from the gathering civil war, as they all know Grand Admiral Teshik had been given command of these secret storehouses and bases.
The Imperial Navy Captain in charge of one of the Emperors secret bases is more than happy to join with Grand Admiral Teshik, as the Emperor had placed Teshik in charge of his project before Endor. This will give Captain Morrison a chance to continue development of his particular pieces of technology, along with using this technology operationally once again. The additional personnel will replace some of the losses suffered by the Eleemosynary in addition to additional ships have been brought with them these are a pair of Star Galleon class frigates, along with various light freighters etc from the other bases.
Grand Admiral Teshik will spend the next two years with the dual role of transferring the remaining research projects to Sanctuary Base and in addition to raiding various New Republic outposts for various supplies and equipment that he needs, Grand Admiral Teshik will deliberately avoid his fellow Imperials. Grand Admiral Teshik supplies and resources will slowly grow, along with a small number of personnel, mostly freed Imperial prisoners of war during his attacks against New Republic outposts.
Using some of the equipment that he has acquired from the Emperors secrets, Grand Admiral Teshik commands combat strength is once again growing. This proves how capable a Grand Admiral is even with just one Imperial class star destroyer at his disposal.
Sanctuary Base is quickly developing into a small colony along with becoming highly self-sufficient.
Each of these raids is very bloody and brutal, all prisoners that are taken, once all useful information is drained from them, they are then executed. During these raids, the Eleemosynary does not dump her garbage before jumping into hyperspace, as this will leave clues behind for the New Republic. Due to these measures the New Republic known that there is a lone star destroyer raiding there outposts, but the New Republic does not have a clue who is commanding this lone star destroyer, Teshik tactics are working very well against the New Republic.
After nearly two years of raiding, Grand Admiral Teshik, takes the Eleemosynary back to Sanctuary Base to give the crew of the Eleemosynary a rest after nearly two years of attacks against various New Republic outposts. The rest period will not last very long as news of another surviving Grand Admiral will reach Teshik.
The New Republic has also been investigating the attacks on its outposts the New Republic will come to the wrong conclusions on where these attacks originated from this will lead the New Republic into an investigative dead end.
Grand Admiral Teshik is using small light freighters being used as signals intelligence (often contracted to SIGINT) is intelligence gathering by interception of signals, whether between people (COMINT, or communications intelligence), whether involving electronic signals not directly used in communication (ELINT, or electronic intelligence), or combinations of the two. As sensitive information is often encrypted, signals intelligence often involves the use of cryptanalysis. Also, traffic analysis the study of who is signalling whom and in what quantity can often produce valuable information, even when the messages themselves cannot be decrypted.
Almost five years after Endor, using information gained via SIGINT Grand Admiral Teshik will learn of the return of another Imperial Grand Admiral, Thrawn.
Teshik had assumed that he was the last Grand Admiral, but Teshik was wrong.
Another Grand Admiral Lives
Grand Admiral Teshik is reading the report on Grand Admiral Thrawn's recent return Teshik says to Captain Frisk, "So Thrawn is back and trying to rebuild the Empire?"
Captain Frisk replies, "Yes sir, it appears from our initial reports, though these reports are a few weeks old, that Grand Admiral Thrawn is commanding a small Imperial Fleet from the Imperial II class star destroyer Chimaera. This small Imperial Fleet looks like the remains of Lord Vader's fleet from Endor."
Teshik says to Captain Frisk, "So Thrawn is alive, most interesting, this changes everything, Captain set a course for the galaxy, I will give you a more precise location later on it is time for me to have a chat with Grand Admiral Thrawn."
Captain Frisk replies, "Yes sir, I will set a course right away." Captain Frisk then leaves, a short time later the Eleemosynary jumps into hyperspace.
Grand Admiral Teshik will have time to think of what he will say to Thrawn when they meet, for the moment he needs to figure out where Thrawn might be. Teshik begins analysing the reports on Thrawn's probable location by the time the Eleemosynary reaches the Empire Teshik has Thrawn's probable location.
New Republic
Five years after Endor, New Republic intelligence, has picked up rumours that a lone Imperial class star destroyer is roaming the space lanes occasionally attacking New Republic outposts. New Republic intelligence has attempted to locate this lone Imperial class star destroyer, but so far, they have failed to find any trace.
Due to this failure to locate or even, identify this lone Imperial class star destroyer New Republic intelligence has concluded that this star destroyer belongs to one of the Imperial Factions that is using this star destroyer to attack various New Republic outposts to try to keep the New Republics military off balance. Therefore New Republic intelligence switches is attention from trying to find this lone star destroyer to fining out which Imperial faction is sending this star destroyer out attack New Republic outposts.
New Republic intelligence is unaware that this star destroyer does not belong to any of the known Imperial factions.
When Thrawn returns, New Republic intelligence will assume that these attacks against their outposts where part of Thrawn's opening campaign against the New Republic, New Republic intelligence has the right idea, but the wrong Grand Admiral.
Even worse, for the New Republic, they do not realise that there are two Grand Admirals still alive and that one of the Grand Admirals is heading for the location of the other Grand Admiral.
As Grand Admiral Teshik heads towards Thrawn's locations, Teshik has been reviewing what he has been able to achieve over the past few years.
During the past five years', Grand Admiral Teshik has been expanding his base within the Unknown Regions, Sanctuary Base is now well established, at its centre is the Pre Fabricated Garrison Base, with the various living, research and production facilities surrounding the Garrison Base.
Brigadier Johns runs Sanctuary Base very efficiently, Grand Admiral Teshik is quite happy to leave the day to day running of Sanctuary Base in Brigadier Johns. Advanced TIE starfighter production is very limited as only replacement and testbed fighters are needed, mass production is pointless, as Grand Admiral Teshik does not have enough pilots for that.
The various research programs have been restarted most of them are focused on the advanced TIE fighter programs, such as an improved versions of the TIE Defender and Advanced.
With Grand Admiral Teshik out of communications range in the Unknown Regions, for this, Grand Admiral Teshik conceives several different ways of gaining intelligence and equipment, by means other than raiding Rebel bases and outposts. One being the use of several light freighters for gaining signals intelligence (SIGINT), then these signals being recorded and returned every thirty days to Sanctuary Base for analyse.
The second is a much different plan that is much more involved than the first and carry's much more risk, this second plan also allows Grand Admiral Teshik not only to gain information by also resources as well.
Strange Bedfellows
Just after Teshik return to the galaxy (almost three years ago), while the various Imperial factions are jostling for more power, Grand Admiral Teshik had a plan to acquire spare parts, manufacturing equipment to expand the base on the planet on the far edge of the Unknown Regions, now known as Sanctuary Base. Grand Admiral Teshik had been thinking of the options available to him in acquiring what he needs to expand his operations, Teshik had quickly rejected outright joining any of the various Imperial factions that are at war with each other.
Instead, Teshik has decided to get the Cull Syndicate to steal what he needs, the Cull Syndicate is a criminal organization that specializes in acquiring whatever people want, for a high price. Grand Admiral Teshik has selected a small team for this initial contact, consisting of Major Lorton and three storm commandos (in civilian clothing) acting as Major Lorton's bodyguards.
Major Lorton is a member of Imperial Military Intelligence (IMI) and a former undercover operative he is more than qualified for this type of operation. On the bridge of the Eleemosynary Major Hall Lorton is going through his final briefing with Grand Admiral Teshik.
Major Lorton says, "Admiral, it will take around six weeks to get back to the galaxy and another six to eight weeks to contact the Cull Syndicate, we could try to speed this up, but that would be dangerous."
Grand Admiral Teshik replies, "I agree Major, take your time, you have an adequate supply of gemstones onboard your freighter?"
Major Lorton says, "Yes sir we have enough."
Grand Admiral Teshik glancing at the specification of the Seeker is an YT-2000 light freighter that combines the YT-1300's successful saucer-like design with the YT-1930's symmetrical theme, including the centralized cockpit placement. The standard cockpit design of the YT-2000 deviated from the pilot and co-pilot sitting side by side, as in previous models. Instead, the pilot sat in front while the co-pilot situated behind and raised above the pilot, with no room for any other people in the cockpit.
Due to the turbulent times in which the ship was designed and produced (just before and after Endor), the YT-2000 boasts heavier standard shields and weapons (two dual laser turrets) than most civilian freighters, certainly than any of its predecessors. The heavy armament and shields, coupled with its speed and manoeuvrability made this type of freighter hard to capture and equally had to kill.
Grand Admiral Teshik asks, "If everything goes as planned, how long until you have the items we need for pickup?"
Major Lorton replies, "I would say about four months after we have made contact, after that additional acquisitions would easily be possible, as the Cull Syndicate would see us as irregular customers and knowing the Cull Syndicate, they do protect their clients privacy as long as the money lasts."
Grand Admiral Teshik is satisfied and replies, "Good, proceed and Major good luck."
Major Lorton replies, "Thank you sir," salutes and leaves the bridge with the other members of his team in tow. A few minutes later, the crew of the Seeker is on its way back to the galaxy to start their mission.
Cull Syndicate Base
Several weeks later…
The current base of operations for the Cull Syndicate is a small and obscure planet in the outer rim territories, which is part of the Pentastar Alignment this is good for the Cull Syndicate as the Pentastar Alignment is more focused on protecting its borders than what goes on inside their borders, for the most part.
The Cull Syndicate representative Hag Morgan has been with the Cull Syndicate all his adult life and has risen up through the ranks of the Cull Syndicate, he is now a major deal maker for the Cull Syndicate. This latest deal will if it goes through will be the largest of his career and Hag Morgan is not about to let this deal fall through.
Even though this deal will be, the biggest of his career Hag Morgan has done some background checks on this character Jack Smite (Major Lorton) and has concluded that this is not his real identity (no real surprise). This fact does not worry Hag Morgan and many of the customers of the Cull Syndicate do not use their real names or even who, they are working for when doing business.
Hag Morgan has a suspicion that this Jack Smite is a former Imperial officer he has come to conclusion that this Jack Smite is buying equipment for one of the various Imperial Warlords. Hag Morgan has passed his concerns on to the members of the Cull Syndicate board who after careful consideration have allowed this meeting to proceed.
Jack Smite along with his three bodyguards have already entered the Cull Syndicate base, they have also been scanned on entry into the building, and the three bodyguards are heavily armed with Jack Smite also armed.
On entry into Hag Morgan's office, two of the three bodyguards wait outside the door with the third standing behind and to the left of Jack Smite, carrying a small armoured case.
Hag Morgan starts by saying, "Welcome, what can we do for you?"
Jack Smite replies, "Thank you for your welcome. The people I represent require some items of equipment, this equipment needs to be acquired without any trace to the people I represent."
Hag Morgan responds, "Anything can be acquired for the right price."
Jack Smite replies, "Indeed, it can. To show our good faith, we would like to offer this as a deposit." Jack Smite indicates to his bodyguard who hands him a small armoured case, Jack Smite then opens the case and tips the contents (uncut gemstones) onto Hag Morgan desk. This makes Hag Morgan's eyes widen, as he studies the gemstones worth several million credits, now lying on his desk, he asks, "What can we do to assist you?"
Jack Smite smiles at Hag Morgan and replies, "I have several 'items' that we need" then hands Hag Morgan a data stick containing the first stage requirements that Grand Admiral Teshik gave him.
Hag Morgan takes the data stick and puts it in his computer and scans the list, then he says, "Some of these items can be purchased openly you know?"
Jack Smite nods and replies, "I know, but we would prefer no trace to us, I am sure that you understand the need for confidentially?"
Hag Morgan replies, "Yes we do we can for fill this order. I would assume that you need this filling quickly?"
Jack Smite answers, "Yes we do in addition we will be keeping the freighter that is mentioned on the list."
Hag Morgan replies, "Whatever you wish" looks at his computer and says, "We can deliver these item within the next thirty days, to anywhere you wish within the galaxy. Payment will be 200 million credits."
Jack Smite nods and replies, "That is acceptable here are the coordinates the freighter is to rendezvous at." Handing another data stick to Hag Morgan, who looks at the coordinates (at the edge of the unknown regions) and replies, "Unusual, but acceptable. Is there anything else we can do for you?"
Jack Smite answers, "Yes there is, we will require additional items. I would assume that your Syndicate can supply them?"
Hag Morgan replies, "Of course, contact me if you need anything else?"
Jack Smite answers, "Thank you for your assistance. I will see the freighter at the rendezvous coordinates in thirty days time, with the payment of 200 million credits in uncut gemstones."
Hag Morgan replies, "That is acceptable, thank you for using our organization."
Jack Smite then shakes Hag Morgan hand then leaves with his three bodyguards in tow.
On hearing the news of the lucrative order, the Cull Syndicate makes Hag Morgan the sole contact with Jack Smite and agrees that as long as the money keeps coming, the Cull Syndicate will continue to supply this Jack Smite with whatever he wishes.
Thirty Days Later
Right on time the freighter with the supplies and equipment that had been specified arrives, Jack Smite after inspecting the freighters hold, hands over the 100 million credits in uncut gemstones to Hag Morgan.
After that, the Cull Syndicate crew leave the freighter in a second ship and head home.
From the Seeker, a small skeleton crew takes the freighter on a series of small jumps until they rendezvous with the Eleemosynary and then on to their base on the other side of the Unknown Regions.
The first deal with the Cull Syndicate is a success this will lead to additional deals, to acquire additional equipment of different types over the next few years.
Over the next few months and then years, Jack Smite will ask the Cull Syndicate for more equipment, which the Cull Syndicate is more than happy to steal for Jack Smite (for a considerable fee) and his associates.
Grand Admiral Teshik command is now starting to expand in size and capabilities.
Just then, the comm goes off breaking through Grand Admiral Teshik thoughts of what had been happening over the past few years, Teshik asks, "Yes, what is it?"
From the other end of the comm Captain Frisk replies, "Sir we are approaching Grand Admiral Thrawn's current estimated location."
Teshik replies, "I am on my way to the bridge" then switches of his comm and heads towards the bridge, thinking to himself that this will be one of the few time that Thrawn will be truly surprised.
A meeting between the last two Grand Admirals will be interesting, to put it mildly.
To be continued.