“One minute to launch coordinates,” announced a lieutenant.
Satae watched as the bow of the ship dipped into the clouds, gracefully parting the sea of grey. The clouds had hidden them from the rebels on the surface, but soon they would hear the sound of the engines of the Imperial war machine.
As the ship finally dipped below the clouds, like clockwork the TIE fighter squadrons were launched, and were soon joined by additional squadrons from the fleet in orbit. Satae watched as they began to swarm across the sky, mercilessly shredding the rebel fighters and bombers. Soon they would begin their strikes against the few rebels who had managed to hold their ground.
“Governor,” the communications officer stirred Satae from her thoughts, “we have just received a communication from one of the ground commanders, one Major Nerrel. She is requesting information regarding the mining complex in order to protect it more effectively. She also requests to be informed of troop movements for coordination of all ground troops.”
“Inform the Major that she only needs to concern herself with stopping the rebels from entering the mine complex. And as for the other troops,” she took out her holotablet and began to rapidly tap at the screen, “she now has an additional 12 storm trooper squads and 6 AT-ST’s under her command for the duration of the battle. She is to capture or destroy all rebels in the city, and any signs of rioting against Imperial rule by the population are to be ended quickly. After the battle she is to come and see me at the Palace. Oh, and I shall need a shuttle and an escort to take me to the Palace so that I may observe from the central command bunker. Contact Captain Riada that I want a status update from her immediately, I am eager to hear of her progress in my absence.”
“Immediately my Lady,” the officer set about relaying her orders. Satae thought for a moment about this Major. She recalled that the Major had recently been posted at Belona, but not by her request. This interest in the mines was probably just as it appeared, thoroughness in her duty. But it may be necessary to keep a closer eye on her, just in case…
Satae made her way to the hangar and boarded the shuttle which had been made ready. The flight to the palace was blissfully uneventful now that the rebels had been pushed back by the fighters. From the landing platform at the palace complex she observed the troop transports gently lowering down into the city and delivering hundreds of troops. Yes, everything was going just as she had planned.