Bonadan's Orbit

The High Moff nodded and turned off the comm.

"Commodore Brantirr, take us to shipyard designated with the serial number B5-ZT785SD3"

"At once, my lord"

The ship made a microjump to the said location. The facilities were placed in a moon, a ring of shipyards circled it. There was a buzz of activity around one of the larger drydocks. The Manticore approached it at sublight speed. The shape soon could be glanced among the machinery, triangular, menacing and towering. Atash's prized gem, his most treasured development, a third Star Destroyer model, a newer generation of the Imperial-class. A ship to conquer and dominate. The TIE Droid project had some of its funds diverted to the High Moff's true priority. He walked towards the aft's windows to look at it, admirative.

"Sire, incoming holocall"

"Allowed"

An holographic bust appeared on the bridge. A Rodian, wearing the two-colored uniform of the Imperial engineers. She has a colonel badge displayed over the chest.

"High Moff"

"Linn Tuktok"

Atash clasps both hands behind his back, while the holographic shape tilts and wavers.

"We received the last shipment. The materials were as good as promised and those droids accelarated the end of the construction"

"I assured you that would be the case, director"

"The ship is almost completely functional, High Moff. The hyperdrive, the weapon systems and the engines are fully functional. We vaporized to atoms those asteroids you dragged with the tractor beams. The reports are remarkable, the ship does have more firepower than both its predecessors"

"That is, indeed, a good development"

"We believe it's on par with whatever equivalent the squids might be able to throw at us"

"Anything else to report?"

"The longerange turbolasers and heavy equipment make the ship slightly slower than expected, High Moff. There's less energy output to the engines as we originally intended"

"Still on par with class II?"

"Indeed. There won't be a noticeable difference"

"Did you include my latest specifications?"

"Yes, High Moff. The tactical supercomputer and the command center were arranged as we were instructed"

"Excellent. Launch time?"

"Less than a fortnight. Probably one seven planetary rotations and it'll be ready for launch"

The moff nods, approvingly.

"Atash out"

"Copy. Linn out"

He waves a hand and the communication is cut. The moff then turn heels to look at his would-be flagship. He places his right hand on the window.

Almost done... with you and the droid the whole sector will soon be under control...

A sigh, almost a laugh, escaped her nose. Followed by a half smile. Zariel signaled the guard who lowered the containment field. But unlike previous times, she didn't let loose with a barrage of Force Lightning immediately. No she stepped forward. She stepped right up to where the creature leaned against the wall and looked down at him. Unphased by his height or powerful build, because she knew she held the power right now. If he tried anything, she was ready to electrocute him into last rotation, if she needed. Kneeling down to be on eye level with him she whispered to him. No longer disinterested, or disconnected. It seemed Valon had touched on something within her. Still her voice was soft, but also something about it was soothing.

Tell me, did you have children? If not, than you can not possibly fathom what brings me fulfillment, or why I do what I do. In simple terms, so even your primitive mind can understand, I am building a strong future for my child. One they will someday come to rule in my place when I am gone. Then I will be satisfied and fulfilled. Much like what ever happened to you, I was made, and molded into something, a tool. A tool to be used by those more powerful than me to resolve a time of great crisis. Now that man is gone and I had to find my new purpose. Perhaps you will find one too. Maybe you want revenge? Against me, against those who slaughtered your people? Making Sinners pay can be a fantastic purpose. One I can help you with. I know that spark of hate is in their, waiting to be kindled into the roaring fire that will make you powerful enough to cleanse your home, protect the final resting place of your people. She stands with a sigh, and once more adopting her tone of utter disinterest. Think it over.

She turns and walks out of the cell. The field reactivates as soon as she passes the threshold. Turning to the guards on duty, Make sure he eats, and if you can, get him something for those electricity burns.

As Zariel made her way back toward the bridge, she received another transmission from her personal communicator, this time her daughter, Reya's voice came over.

Mother, Captain Saren, will meet you soon in the hanger, for you to meet with the High Moff.

Once more in her soft and soothing voice. Thank you, Reya. I will meet him in the hanger. Oh. And Reya. I'm so proud of you.

Reya, a little surprised. Th-Thank you, mom...

The transmission ended, and Zariel turned to head to hanger, where she would meet with Saren, and travel together to their meeting.

As the field lowered, he made no move to escape. Even putting aside her power, he was in no fit shape to try and fight his way out of where ever he was being held. Unfamiliarity with his location kept him just as captive as the blue wall of energy and the electricity that was produced by Zariel did. He held her gaze as she entered his cage and lowered herself down to be at a height with him. His gaze fixing upon hers as she settled in and spoke.

He had lost his wife, his son, and his daughter on the day he had been captured. Tagge Mining had forced him to watch as they tortured and beat his wife, taking turns using her for hours on end. Finally ending her life long after her mind had been broken. His children had been spared such evil fates, but not by much, since they were made to watch it all before they were killed. Darkness had filled those men's hearts and minds. Rotting them to the core.

He let her speak and go on, trying to justify her cruelty as a means to create a strong future for her child. Her answer only proving his earlier statements to be true. He let out a sigh as she rose up and told him to think over a life of darkness
We are not the same... You were made to be a tool of destruction, to oppress the weak... I was elevated as a champion, as a defender of those that could not defend themselves... You are right that we were both made, but that is where our similarities end... I do not seek vengeance upon you or any others... no... I feel only pity for you... and for your child the day they inherit this empire of blood, that they might be repulsed by it and forsake all that you have built...
He watched as the blue energy field returned once more and she left the guards with orders to ensure he ate and his burns were treated. Charity that he did not care to receive from her. Knowing that she only wished to ensure he recovered enough for her to inflict further pain and suffering upon him. He would stare down and give a warning glare to any of Zariel's soldiers that tried approaching his cage to tend to his injuries. Meanwhile, any food placed in his cage by the guards would remain untouched as he remained in the back corner. Pulling upon what little of the force he could to heal and sustain himself

The red-painted ISDII offers its ventral hangar bay to the Inquisitor and her people. Two rows of assault stormtroopers lined the way from the shuttle to where Atash stood in his white uniform. Few officers on duty were also in attendance, including few of the High Moff's aides. The bay itself was a buzz of activity, with ships being repaired, TIEs in maintenance, TIE Droids being installed on the racks and patrolling stormtroopers.

"Welcome, Inquisitor, yet again, to the Manticore"

Said the moff, openning both arms. His face and manners were very hard to read; after all, he had been a director in the ISB. Behind him stood someone in the unmistakingly imposing uniform of an Imperial Royal Guard, weapon in hand, his or her face impossible to see under the featureless helmet.

'You and I both' thought Vidarr, suspecting she could hear his thoughts on that matter. With the relief coming, at long last, in the form of these automated starfighters, his pilot crews could begin to relax and get some much needed rest. They had been on the edge of their seats long enough and pushed far beyond their limits. Hopefully, Task Force Hercules could be granted a little time to rest before the move against Etti IV.

All I can say is that, when the time comes to attack Etti IV, my fleet will be ready, Lady Inquisitor. Some of the crews, along with my pilots, are getting some much deserved rest and relaxation with the automated fighters completed. They are gonna need the rest before we move against the CSA's former capital.

With those words said, Vidarr, Cardas, and Maxir joined Inquisitor Zariel on her shuttle and left the Asmodeus for the Manticore within a short time. At least, this time, Vidarr wasn't as tired as he was on his shuttle.

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Vidarr disembarked from the Inquisitor's shuttle. Cardas and Maxir chose to remain with the shuttle as Zariel only desired the Captain's presence. The Imperial would relay what was said in the meeting at a later time. From the looks of things, the High Moff's crews looked in a better shape than his own men. Then again, they hadn't jumped from one side of the galaxy to the next, trying to stay ahead of their pursuers. Corporate Sector was the first time they could relax for longer than a few minutes.

As the High Moff spoke directly with Zariel, Captain Seran noticed the Imperial Royal Guardsmen behind Torkan. So the rumors were true... one of the few remaining Guardsmen had survived the turmoil of Empire's fall and had put their support behind the High Moff. The presence of this Guardsmen felt like a means to legitimize the Diarchy, or at least Torkan's side. Whatever the case, it was clear that support was growing for the Diarchy. At least this meant this faction wouldn't be anything short-lived like previous warlords.

Zariel proved equally hard to read, as with most things in life she approached this meeting with the same indifference a blank, thousand meter stair. She made note of the assembly gathered to welcome her and the others, or perhaps it was insurance. After all she could easily kill this man, the only real threat was the person standing behind him. The Imperial Guard was something Zariel did envy about the Moff. Having the loyalty of one such as that, in addition to her Dark Jedi would all but solidify her as the successor to Palpatine's empire. But it seemed, as with the Diarchy itself, they would have to share that role. Zariel gave a polite head dip to the human before her before replying in the same low and seemingly board voice.

I thank you for the personal greeting, High Moff. And allow me to once more congratulate you on the success of the TIE Droid project. I was hoping we could convene with other to discuss what our next step would be. I know my second here, indicating Saren, and I are eager to put down the last holdouts of resistance in this sector.

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Reya didn't flinch as the being struck the energy wall and roared. Clearly either a joke, or a test. Either way she wasn't too impressed. But then he spoke. Something she hadn't quite expected, but welcomed all the same. Tilting her head the other way, a small smile graced her face.

I'm sorry to say, but I am rather disappointed. I had expected something taller, more pointy teeth, and, well, less eloquent. But all that said, you are like nothing I've seen before, Valon. She moved over to the control terminal and started to look up his profile. My name is Reya, by the way. I guess since you shared your name I can share mi- oh sithspit. She didn't look up as she spoke but soon a look of disappointment crossed her face. It seems the guards here don't have access to even look at your file. She leaned on the edge of the computer terminal, taking a closer look at Valon. So then, you've told me your name, but you haven't told me Who you are?

The High Moff started walking towards the elevator, followed by the guard herself, a crimson shadow. He didn't trust Force users either, by definition they had brought ruin with their obscure machinations. Palpatine's obsession with that dark church and teachings of the Sith had costed the Empire a great deal. And, time after time, inquisitors, Emperor's Hands and their cadre had done more to weaken the Empire than to enforce it. Pellaeon saw it, he didn't need those fanatics. But he had ten times more territory and manpower than Atash did currently, so, for the time being he would have to treat with that Inquisitor.

"No need to thank me, it's only due the efforts of our technicians and engineers that the production of the said droid fighter was sucessful"

Atash controlled the key personel, the bureaucracy and had sway over the populace, everything the Inquisitor lacked. She only had blunt, raw power, like a blade without a hilt. Once in the turbolift he replies the second part of the sentence.

"We're more than willing to destroy the remnants of the Seccession. Once they're dealt with I will start a true Reconstruction of this sector. I bet you will personally enjoy annihilating what's left of the CSA and its slavers"

The turbolift's door slided. They had arrived to the meeting chamber aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer. The walls were austere, everything was rigid, minimalistic, cold; usual Imperial aesthetic. The large table was emblazoned with the sigil of the Diarchy.

"Take a seat"

The moff sat at the head of the table, the some of the seats were reserved for the Inquisitor and her people, while the others were filled by various men and women under the Imperial's command, including a female Rodian wearing the uniform of the engineers, a dark-skinned woman with a governor's badge and a blond man belonging to the Diarchy's variant of ISB. Atash pointed an empty chair by his side to the guard, all clad in red.

"Commander, you may take your seat and remove your helmet, if you so wish"

He whispered to the red shadow standing behind him. Then, his atention returned to the guests on his destroyer:

"Members of the council: we now have sufficient manpower to subdue the rebel systems. Our engineer corps have not only developed valuable assets, like the TIE Droids and the formidable TIE Daggers, but also these ships"

He keyed the holoprojector: a series of schematics appeared, tilting before everyone present.

"I introduce you to the Cazador, the Surtidor, the Aniquilador, the Cargador..."

The new designs flickered in blue light, with floating notes and specifications in aurabesh, and several views and cuts per model, all proudly paraded before the viewers. The Rodian looked particularly pleased; the ISB agent and the governor expressed their approval enthusiastically.

"...And the Imperial III-class Star Destroyer"

The angular design proudly introduced themselves its holographic shape floating over the holoprojector, reflected on the table's mirrored surface. The ship provoked an excited murmur among the people in attendance.