SSD Passion - Somewhere in Hyperspace
Thrax’s quarters aboard the Passion were as spartan as the ones in the bowels of Daplona. Same cell-like aesthetics, bookcases, maintenance bay and the barest workstations. Still, if one were to take a more careful look, a few differences could be noticed.
Some of the propaganda plastered on the wall was older, dating back to the days of the Clone Wars even, and carefully framed. The books, datapads and recordings were messier in their storage. And here and there one could see, almost half hidden beneath piles of datapads or behind posters, holos and actual photographs. Many of them showing a younger Thrax, not as crippled or bitter. Memories of simpler, happier days of the past.
It was, without a doubt, the one place Grand Admiral Jadal Thrax could call home in this Galaxy. But even here, in his most private of heavens, the man did not detach himself from his duties. There was no time for rest, for nostalgia or dreaming of better days. Especially now that the Committee was on the verge of launching its first major offensive operation after their less than stellar performance at the Tion Cluster. The Grand Admiral had framed it as an offer, an enticing favor to the deplorable usurper at Coruscant. But the truth was that Operation Lasat was being planned and prepared for over a year. Thrax’s duty was to destroy the enemies of the New Order. And for a man like Jadal Thrax, duty was its own reward. But he had no qualms about using these same enemies.
Whether Ozzel actually managed to stop the Rebels from taking Coruscant was close to irrelevant, in the end. What really mattered was that the conflict extended as long and bloody as possible. That both sides kept funnelling blood and treasure into the Core. That the Rebels bled themselves white trying to strangle Ozzel’s ridiculous Imperium and that whatever was left of the Grand Moff’s forces learned from the errors of their superiors and became willing to accept a more ideologically sound leadership. For whenever the Committee finally marshalled the forces and resources to save the Core from treason and degeneracy.
Admiral Kava’s return threw a wrench into those plans. The influx of firepower the SubHuman brought with her was deeply concerning. But more concerning than the leverage it gave Ozzel, was the fact that she had awaited so long to return and carry out her duties. The SubHuman had a plan, some scheme dreamed up in that xeno mind of hers. And Thrax doubted her intentions were selfless. Maybe she was killing Ozzel and taking over Imperial Center this very moment
Still, nothing he could do about it right now. Now was the time to address more pressing matters. To continue laying the groundwork for the New Order’s rebirth.
And so he stood before the communicator. In the pristine white of his Grand Admiral uniform, waiting for the call to be picked. This was starting to get just a bit t-
“Hail Palpatine!” The hologram saluted as soon as it connected. “Rear Admiral Nemeton reporting, my Lord!”
“At ease, Rear Admiral. How goes the hunt?”
“They are finally catching up to us.” Came the cheery reply. “Old Wizelin had a Star Destroyer watching the Cezith system. No luck there. And another one arrived before we could finish Bisellia’s medical station.” The Rear Admiral then grinned. “But I doubt that station is staying up much longer with the state we left it in. But we lost the Stawalrt to that Destroyer. Not that big of a loss, an old Venator with a green crew. And since the Banker Boys did us the favor of shooting all escape pods, I dont think they’re recovering any good intel. At least not enough to stop us now. Considering how close it is to Muunilinst, it went as well as it could have. Other than that, we also got lucky and intercepted a rather large medical convoy halfway between Endoraan and Gelda. The Interdictor Cruiser has made things much easier on our end, My Lord.”
“I knew a man of your talents could put it to good use.” Thrax nodded. ”Have you heard anything else from Baron Starran?”
“He assures me that he and his cohorts in the garrison and the academy are ready to move the moment he receives word. Field Team K-92 vouches for their readiness.”
“Then gather your command, Rear Admiral.” Thrax ordered. “Concentrate your operations around Prefsbelt and its surrounding systems. And once Baron Starran reveals his true colors, you shall move to support him and ensure Prefsbelt IV falls before the Yaga Minor garrison can relieve the loyalists.”
“The Yaga Minor garrison remains strong, My Lord.” Nemeton stated. “Even with the redeployments to Muunlist, there remains enough force to dislodge me and my command from Prefsbelt IV. Especially if the coup does not goes as smoothly as planned.”
“Then you will withdraw and preserve your command.” Thrax replied.“Leave Baron Starran to prove his worth and allegiance by tying down Wizelin’s forces in a costly siege and leave Yaga Minor even closer to our grasp.”
“Should I evacuate the Field Team, in that case?” Nemeton asked. Thrax shook his head negative.
“Let them stay and fight too. But there’s no point in wasting you and your command fighting a lost battle in space. See to your tasks, Rear Admiral. The New Order lives.”
“And marches on!” Nemeton completed before disconnecting.
That was one more item to check off the list. Nemeton’s Kath Packs were doing their work. One step closer to bringing the downfall of Zagal Wizelin.
The very name was enough to make Thrax frown. Grand Moff Wizelin, so level headed, so constrained and competent. So eager to pledge himself to the cause. Men like him were a treasure in of themselves and his work had been invaluable in helping the Committee establish its footing in the aftermath of Endor. What led him to desert C-CNO after the failure of the Tion Assault, Thrax would never know. Or rather, understand. The Grand Admiral was well aware that the defeat at Raxus at the Rebellion’s hands had shattered his aura of invincibility and Wizelin wasn’t the only to jump ship when the going got rough. But he was by far the one that caused the most damage, taking that valuable stretch of the Entralla route and the shipyards of Yaga Minor. The most damaging and the only one left. But not for long.
The thought of righteous revenge filled Jadal Thrax with giddy anticipation and he allowed himself a moment to savor it as he sent out the next summons through his communicator.
Wizelin had been far too merciful by half after his betrayal. Hadn’t done nearly enough to purge his ranks of those who still held true to the New Order within their hearts. A mistake that will cost him his life and legacy. His “Northern Command” was a formidable force for its size on paper, but a giant with feet of clay.
The call connected, but rather than the receiver, the hologram showed only static.
“Agent Lacunae, do you read me?”
“Yes, My Lord.” The reply came warbled and distorted. “I was just about to contact you. The traitor’s flagship has just arrived in the system. With three Vic-IIs and a Star Destroyer.”
Thrax smiled. Wizelin had taken the bait. “Is your team in place?”
“Affirmative, My Lord.”
“Then ready yourself. The signal will come soon.”
Nothing more needed to be said.
The Grand Admiral stole a glance at the chrono. And as if on cue, the intercom system warned them that they were due to drop out of hyperspace within 10 minutes. Soon Thrax’s own Zealot Squadron will be arriving at the fleet staging grounds at Jaemus. And from there, Muunilinst. To bring about the end of Wizelin and his clique of traitorous revisionists and xenophiles. No doubt the Muun bankers and their deep pockets were partially responsible for turning Wizelin away from the light of the New Order. Those SubHumans would also get their just desserts. Soon, very soon.
Sweet vengeance, Thrax could barely contain his anticipation.
