Outpost 34

Título do Autor:
"Men of Trust - Outpost 34"

Autor:
Darth En Ghedi

Origem:
Portugal

Língua:
Inglês

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“Only the best are sent to the "Empire's Pride"
Only the strong-minded… the Elite, can reach Outpost 34!”

A place in the limits of the outer rim, it was constructed in the early days of the Clone Wars. Back then, it had the best and most advanced technology, not to mention a whole legion of the best infantry and pilots the Republic had to offer.
During the Clone Wars it played a vital role in intercepting Separatist vessels and even combating piracy that would feed Dooku’s armies with supplies.
The Emperor himself had visited the outpost twice. Once during its early days, and again during an inspection.
The station was kept pristine and always supplied with the best the Republic and then the Empire could afford. Not because of it strategic importance, which was close to none, but because it was a symbol of Imperial dominance and a ode to control.
But as the Empire spread, the station began having less and less strategic importance.
With the end of the clone armies, the Empire started to engage in less expensive and faster to build technology, resulting in faster efficiency sacrificing quality.
The famous and fierce Stormtroopers never arrived to the station. The last infantry departed during the first indications of rebellion. They were needed in other places… real battles.
All that was left was a small garrison of Marine Troopers equipped with the extinguished Clone Trooper technology and six squadrons of old V-Wing fighters kept in operational readiness by the dedicated mechanics.
The whole station, however, was kept in full yellow alert status with information coming from Coruscant that the rebellion was becoming bolder. So, the once top of the line machines, weapons and systems were maintained in an impeccable readiness too.
Captain Marcus Habak was dispatched to the Outpost fresh out of the Academy and soon became commander of the station. Habak was now 58 and the years passed through him silently in this forsaken place.
His crew was dedicated, but as Coruscant contacted them less and less, it was hard to maintain discipline and make explanations to the men.
Still, the last transmission this morning, was somehow reassuring.
-Commander. Special message by emperor Palpatine. – Communications Officer Ord Getam, interrupted the Commander’s rest, via the intercom.
-Send it to my personal screen here in my quarters –The Captain said, still waking up.
-Very well sir.
Another face replaced the Officer. But, it wasn’t the Emperor. This only fed the rumors that Palpatine was now much less interested in the armies and more focused in his sick Sith religion.
Moff Jerjerrod was speaking on his behalf. He looked tired and spoke slowly. This far into space it was a monologue. Direct dialogue wasn’t possible due to the latency. So it wasn’t a communication. It was a message.
-“Commander Habak. I hope all is well in your outpost. The Emperor as instructed me personally to inform you that the latest weapon of the Empire, the Death Star, is finally operational. Therefore, the rebellion will reach and end soon. Fear will create order in the systems. And we all rejoice in this ultimate weapon. But not all are good news, I’m afraid. It seems the Imperial Strategists do not agree with the expenses wasted in keeping a misplaced outpost and we are considering transferring your garrisons back to the inner territories, perhaps in one of the fleet’s vessels. The Emperor feels we need to concentrate forces into putting and end to the illicit commercial activities and finally establish the Imperial dominance in all sectors. Thank you for your time, Commander.”
Habak was still for a minute after the screen went blank. Two feelings he had… It was great to finally leave that rock but Jerjerrod was omitting something. It seems his opinion was not unique.
-They are getting desperate to fight the Rebels… -First Officer Juak Nar, appeared in the screen- They are gathering resources to make a stand.
-What makes you say that, Captain Nar?
-Jerjerrod was never a good liar.
-Keep this message classified. I will address the men as soon as we get the final orders. We need to keep the readiness status.
-With all due respect Commander. But it seems unavoidable, now that we are abandoning this facility. Shouldn’t we concentrate in shutting the systems down and securing the Intel and sensitive items for our transfer?
-We don’t have orders yet, Juak. Telling that to the men now, will only create anxiety, we'll loose their effectiveness. Also, it will take some time to send a ship to pick us up. So it is best that we wait for the Imperial orders to arrive.
-Then at least we should warn Security of this situation to contain the men.
-Contain the men? What kind of phrase is that?
-I am only defending Imperial interests from the hands of opportunists!
-You are only defending Imperial interests if you obey to direct orders, Captain!
-But sir…
-Enough, Captain Nar. Keep this between us. I will handle this personally.
-Very well, Commander. But I must mention that I do not agree with this.
-Enough! Erase this message along with its log.
-As you wish...
Habak shutdown the screen and lied in his bed.
Captain Nar was eager to get the High Command’s commission to Captain-Commander. Always making sure the logs contained some of his bright ideas.
At his age, however, Habak couldn’t ask for more. He would command some Star Destroyer inspecting cargo freights and deploying troops for the rest of his life. Beats living in an asteroid with an outpost built far from everything and everyone.
He was terrified to die here someday…

Captain Nar was walking down the control station’s stairs to the barracks were he called Lieutenant Hoger.
-A word, Lieutenant.
-Yes sir. –The Lieutenant was armored with the old Clone Trooper Marine outfit.
Captain Nar gestured the Lieutenant to follow him outside the barracks. Hoger understood the message and predicting a low voice he removed his helmet.
-Lieutenant, what I am about to tell you is strictly confidential. Do you understand?
-Of course, sir!
-Some things are about to happen here. I cannot go into details, but this station will be vulnerable. Now, the Commander wishes that this happens smoothly. We all now that, at a phase of vulnerability, some find it easier to take what’s not theirs or to keep something for later profit. Things such as Imperial classified information.
-But sir, we are still in full alert, my men are spread in their posts, I don’t see what more we can do!
-You will relocate your men to guard more… sensitive areas. Like the archive and the vault. We must consider everyone here as potential thieves. We are at war, Lieutenant.
-I can’t do that without raising suspicion, Commander Habak must…
-No! This is between you and me, Lieutenant. This was issued to me, by the Commander directly.
-May I ask what’s so important we are protecting sir?
-No, you may not. It will suffice to know that if it falls in wrong hands it would endanger the Emperor’s plans. Why do you think the Empire keeps this rock?
-Very well, Captain. I will make it so. My men will be relocated shortly.
-Good! Make sure you only explain the essential to your men. Any details about this and you will be held responsible.
-Yes, sir!
-Oh, and Lieutenant... There will be weird things happening. It will look like I am being... silenced. I don't ask you to disobey to Commander Habak, but it's essential we keep in touch.
-Sir, I...
-Major, I shouldn't remind you how much influence I got in Coruscant. A man of your value could easily be recruited to the Imperial Red Guard. And your men. Any other station would be much better than this hole... I am a personal friend of the Commander of the 501st. You're men would make fine assets to this elite Garrison. And these are not promises.... I'm sure we will stay in touch, whenever I need you...
-Of course, sir! - Lieutenant Hoger smiled.
As Captain Nar moved away, Hoger looked at him and frowned. “What is going on?” he thought.
He cleared his mind and putting back is helmet he contacted the men in their posts to relocate them.

Commander Habak reached the Command Station and was joined the First Officer.
-What’s our status, Captain?
Nar looked around. He didn't exactly knew, but he would pretend to. Like he always did.
-Executing the standard Full Readiness procedures. All squadrons are on stand-by. We’re monitoring every route that passes through this sector. Activity insignificant. -Nar approached the Radar screens and pointed out a few blurs in the scope - We did have some hyperspace residue up in the left quadrant of sector 2-14. We oriented the scanners to check it, no sign of activity. Perhaps a passing ship in hyperspace.
-Perhaps! But protocol states we send a squadron for confirmation.
-Ah, yes sir. But I found it insignificant. It was just residue, there are no signs of ships in the scanners.
-Still, we are sending a fully armed squadron. There could be something up there. This is a dead communications zone; a ship could easily cloak itself in this area.
-But sir, the…
-Alert Squadron 6, deploy the V-Wings for interception – The Commander was no longer listening to Nar, he was talking to the Communications Officer. Nar was visibly angry. Habak turned to him- Don’t you ever create a debate over the protocol! – He whispered to the First Officer.
-But sir this is pointless! To send a…
-You will follow orders or I will find someone else to do it, did I speak clear enough for you? – Commander Habak was now shouting face-to-face with Nar.
-Yes, sir! – Nar had no choice.
-Good! I am the Commanding Officer of this outpost and my orders are to obey the protocol. This is not a democracy!
Captain Nar was sweating. He was humiliated in front of the men. Never in all those years as an Imperial Officer did he felt so powerless. Habak lost it…
-Commander, Squadron 6 has left the hangar and is moving at high speed to sector 2-14. Major M’leir is the Squadron Leader. – Officer Getam interrupted the aroused conversation.
-Very Well. Major M’Leir, this is Commander Habak, report anything you see no matter how odd it may look.
-Aye Sir. What are we looking for, sir?
-Scanners report hyperspace residue. Expect either debris or more than that.
-Ships, sir?
-Anything, Major. Beware that that’s a dead zone, we’ll loose communications for a while.
-Roger! – The communications ended with static. Out of range.
-May I ask what’s so special about Hyperspace dust, sir? – Captain Nar expected to regain his posture. The Commander would have no plausible answer. And he would look good to the man…
-Modern ships have cloaking devices. Our visual scanners can’t see them.
-But the electronic ones would detect them, and they…
-If communications are dead in that sector, do you seriously believe that scanners are effective? We must assume that a ship dropped out of hyperspace and could be shadowing itself in that blind zone.
The Commander was right. Still Nar wouldn’t budge.
-Sir, this is highly irregular, we are being over-zealous over something that represents no serious threat to this fully armed station. We are wasting valuable resources on a hunch.
-Are we?
-Well, yes sir. We have other issues at hand. And this is not the first time I am right about something you disagree!
-I see. And I should not be so over-zealous now that we have you and your righteousness?
-Well I don’t…
-I had enough of you Juak! – The Commander turned to the Marines by the door – Officers, take Captain Nar under custody on the charges of questioning the authority of a Commanding Officer.
Nar was petrified. Commander Habak approached him and removed his First Officer Insignias.
-It’s my job to call you to your senses, Commander Habak, in no way this is…
-I said, I had enough of you! Take him away. Lock him in his room.
Even though the Marines were aside him, Nar didn't move. Habak approached him with the clear idea to confront him.
The Medical Officer, Lieutenant Sweshar heard the aroused voices in the bridge and he ran out of the Medical Center to reach between the Commander and the Captain, before anything worse would happen.
-Sir, perhaps this is not the right time, but I overheard all this and I think we could...
-Ah yes, Lieutenant Sweshar. I was about to call you.
Sweshar was going to say something but the Commander continued.
-Carry on with our mission… First Officer Sweshar. -The Commander spoke in a higher tone, looking firmly into Nar's eyes and placed his rank insignia in Sweshar's uniform - Contact the squadron for their status, I'm sure you are aware of the current situation, if not, any man here can brief you. You will do a better job than Nar, I'm sure.
Sweshar immediately understood the whole situation. He stopped talking. He was now an High Ranking Officer. And now it seemed like an adrenaline shot hit him. The coming of Nar to this Outpost had demoted him back to the sick bay. So this was his chance. He tapped the Communications Officer on his shoulder. He was still shaking.
-Carry on. Contact the Squadron.
As Nar was being escorted out, he looked back. Habak was watching the screens. He didn’t face him. But Sweshar looked at Nar. There was some sense of vengeance... but also a sense of confusion from all this. But now Sweshar didn't wish to draw his mind out of this situation he looked away and wished that that was the last time he would see the arrogant Officer Nar.

Tower AD23 was facing the “Dead Zone”. It was boring job, no matter how much the officer kept telling the men how important it was to monitor the Outpost’s most vulnerable area. It had the most powerful cannons and the most accurate scanners. They saw nothing when the Conn asked them to monitor the upper left quadrant of sector 2-14. Now they were following the ships of V-Wing Squadron 6 that went into the area. Suddenly the ships disappeared from the scopes.
-Sir! The ships are gone! Maybe they were destroyed! I’ll contact the Conn…- Private Reedius was scared.
-Relax, rookie –Sergeant Dietl was sitting back in his chair – They’ll return. They always do… Big boys with their toys. Did you know I applied for the Tie Academy? I was the…
-Look sir! There’s a glare! – Reedius interrupted, he was pointing out to the horizon- Looks like an explosion… I better….
-Hey! I told you to relax; now sit down and don’t interrupt me!
-Sir, there’s something else…
-ANYWAY- Sergeant Dietl was shouting – The Academy was filled with Coruscant hot-shots, so a guy like me, used to the rushed skies of Corellia, would jump out of the crowd, right?- The private didn’t answer – Hey, I’m talking to you!
The sergeant jumped out of his chair to see at what the private was looking at… He was shocked…
Just above them a number of infinite stars were shinning but then more kept appearing. The sergeant realized those weren’t stars… There were hundreds of vessels of all types approaching slowly just above the asteroid's orbit.
The sergeant and the private were mute and static. This was unbelievable. The scanners showed nothing. Watching that immense group of ships they suddenly realized what that meant. “Security Breach” they thought. The early warning systems didn’t trigger.
Private Reedius did raise his arm to arm the defenses. But it was too late.
The small security tower was engulfed by a great white glare and was completely destroyed by one of the cruisers.
The inbuilt computer, however, worked faster than the two men. It contacted the mainframe computer in the command post and reported the intrusion.

-Lieutenant Sweshar, sir! – Officer Getam reached the new First Officer cautiously. The Commander was still waiting for Squadron 6 to report, so he wouldn't bother him with this- I have a situation.
-What is it Getam?
-Sir, we lost contact with one of the towers. Alpha Delta 23 to be more specific.
-So… We’re in the middle of something here, send in some droids.
-Ah, yes sir, but you see, this could be related, ‘23 is facing sector 2-14.
-Did you loose complete contact?
-Yes sir, we tried radio and holographic.
-That’s very close to the “dead zone”. It’s probably some interference. Do you have any teams out there to reach them?
-We’ve got some mining droids working on a nearby crater.
-Ok, instruct those droids to reach the tower and order the men inside to make the necessary repairs. This is an old station. Most likely they didn’t even notice they lost contact with us.
-Right away, sir.
But Sweshar felt something was wrong.
-When you say, “facing that sector”, how close are they?
-Well sir they are immediately facing the dead zone. The tower was built as an early warning station and it’s the most remote post, also the most well armed.
-How far are those mining droids?
-About 3 minutes.
-Do they have a visual on the tower?
-I think so, sir!
-Let’s see that image!
Mining droids were equipped with remote holocameras in order to help the engineers figure out a way to repair the fissures the asteroid had. This was a recent problem affecting the Asteroid's integrity. Worse than that, the base extended under the ground to this area. It contained a secondary reactor and several storage halls. It was necessary to make repairs before the structure would be affected. So the droids worked night and day. Using the droids the engineers could repair the damage without moving outside into space. The cameras were rude and with limited zoom, but Sweshar didn’t need high definition to understand what he was looking at.
Once there was tower there, now there was pile of rubble and debris floating in the zero gravity poor atmosphere…
-That tower was destroyed! What caused that? – On the screen Sweshar could see a grey blur moving above the tower.- Order that droid to look up!
-Up, sir?
-NOW! – It wasn’t exactly an order, it was more like a desperate request that caught everyone’s attention.
As the mining droid received the information it stopped in the rugged rock surface and slowly moved its metal body upwards.
In the black sky, hundreds of ships of all shapes and sizes appeared. It was an evident attack. But if there were doubts, the closest ship emitted what looked like a laser blast and the image went black.
Sweshar turned to meet the Commander, but Habak was standing right next to him watching the same screen. Before anyone could say or do anything the Commander ordered loudly:
-BATTLE STATIONS! Raise the shields at full power. Arm the heavy blasters, seal all compartments and evacuate the towers. – Turning to the Marines near the door- Seal off the bridge!
A Battle was imminent. The men, who were trained in drills almost daily weren’t nervous… but they were scared.

As all the lights went red around the base, Lieutenant Nar, locked in his quarters looked outside just in time before the blast shields shut his windows. He saw the ships… And he realized what was going on…
-Finally! - He raised a small concealed intercom- Lieutenant Hoger? It's time!

The Main screen in the bridge illuminated the men, it was a message from the invaders. Admiral Ken'horr, a known former Imperial Commander, who was wanted by the Empire for treason, was on the screen. Apparently he was the commander of this invading fleet. His voice echoed in the whole battle station.
-"Imperial Outpost, this is the Flag Ship "Seeker" of the Alliance, surrender your weapons. There's no point engaging a combat at this stage. You are surrounded and your weapons cannot even scratch the hulls of our vessels. We wish to board and take control of that Outpost. You will not be harmed and will not be treated as prisoners."
The message was dry. The men inside the bridge were petrified and silent.
Finally, Habak broke the silence.
-Ken'horr! I should have known. Only you could pull a stunt like this! You'll get no surrender, rebel scum. You are trespassing. This is an Imperial sector and I will not tolerate this lack of obedience to the Imperial laws of boundaries. You are hereby, processed as offenders and an entire imperial fleet is already on its way to intercept you. YOU will surrender and prepare to be boarded by US.
If the men were scared, now they were terrified. They were outnumbered, no match for the hundreds of Rebel ships. What was the Commander thinking? They would be killed. These rebels were offering truce and he just refused it.
-"Ah, yes... and you are, sir?" - Ken'horr asked.
-Commander Habak of the Imperial Navy.
-"I am sorry, Commander, I didn't know such an important officer was aboard this Outpost".
-Enough talking, Rebel, disable your shields and prepare to be arrested for treason.
-"I'm not sure you are analyzing your situation with care, I don't think you're in the position to demand anything."
Sweshar approached the Commander and whispered:
-Sir, please! He is right, we can't battle them, they have us! Please consider their offer.
-Surrender? Why?
As if hearing the question, Ken'horr answered:
-"Well, there's no point fighting, after all the Alliance as won the war against he Empire. Palpatine was killed inside his Death Star".
This was felt like a bomb inside the bridge, every man was looking at each-other, asking if that was true as if anyone inside that forsaken place could really give the answer.
It all seemed impossible, but still, something made them feel there could be some truth in that statement. If so, there was really no point in making a stand.
-That's impossible. You lie!
-"Really? Well then, call your friends in Coruscant and wait for their reply. Nowhere to be found... besides, if I was lying how could I travel around the Galaxy with this enormous fleet and not be intercepted by some Super-Star Destroyer? Simply because the whole Imperial fleet is gone and we are now... inviting the remaining officers to surrender... Some did not, unfortunately... Don't join those, Commander, for your men's sake".
-You'll never have that pleasure! This station is fully operational. Unless the Emperor himself order me so, I will not stand down.
-"Very well. I remind you that I came here with an offer of peace!" - The screen went blank.
The men just couldn't understand. Still they dared not to go against the Commander's judgment. But Sweshar had another go.
-Sir, please, if he's right, we're wasting our time and probably our lives too! They will destroy this base, let it be without us inside!
-Enough Sweshar! You're not defying me, are you?
-No sir!
-All commands - The commander ignored the first officer and was talking to the intercom - Be ready for any assault attempts. Stand at your post until called.
Around the base all men were alert and ready. This was not a drill.
Outside, the vessels appeared to turn their starboard sides directly to the asteroid. Some smaller ships were moving away from the bigger ships. They were going to strike.
-Bombardment, prepare yourselves for impact! - Sweshar ordered, he ducked behind the main console and looking behind him, the Commander was sitting his chair, calm and looking at the empty.- Sir? - Habak looked at him and raised from his chair.
-What are you doing, Lieutenant? -Habak came closer to Sweshar. In the main screens a red glow was forming from the main Calamari ships, Heavy batteries were firing. - Come to your posture, First Officer.
Sweshar couldn't understand. The Commander was obviously mad. When he grabbed his arm, though, he didn't fight, with that amount of firepower on it way, that console wasn't going to make much difference.
Looking above, the Laser blasts approached very fast and in a split second the impact was felt. The whole base shook violently throwing people aside and braking objects. It was a blast like they never felt. The Lieutenant was projected to the floor. But the Commander grabbed the heavy console and kept his equilibrium.
But besides some debris of broken objects and some minor electric sparkles, there was nothing. The shields have held the impact.
-Damage Report!- The Commander screamed above the crying man and the rumble sound - All stations, Damage Report!
One by one all stations reported some minor damage, no victims.
The Commander turned to Sweshar to find a confused man.
-How? - Words were hard to pronounce, he was shocked.
-This station may be old, but it has its secrets. It's shield is the same equipping the Imperial Palace in Coruscant. Impervious to any weapon.
Still amazed the First Officer still thought the Commander had gone too far. He was over-confident on this shield that due to its age could be malfunctioning. As a Doctor, Sweshar read all the signs of mental disturbance... perhaps the commander couldn't handle his position well, under stress.
-Fire the Heavy Cannons! - The Commander ordered. The men were still recovering from the impact it took them some time to react- Lieutenant Sweshar, put you men in order! - He turned to the First Officer.
The Lieutenant raised from the floor immediately and was screaming.
-You heard the Captain, make calculations for a full power cannon blast, Fire at Will!
In two seconds a loud hum was heard from the cannons charging and then four white lines of Laser were spotted on the screen hitting the main firing ship and a smaller Corellian freighter blasting the smaller to pieces. The big Cruiser however had it's shields up and was able to withstand the massive firepower, apparently with some minor damage.
The main screen was cracked but still was able to receive the incoming message from the Rebel fleet.
-"It seems you have some tricks up your sleeves... Well I wouldn't come here if I didn't have my own..."
The Commander couldn't reply since the communication had ended.
There was silence mixed with murmuring. No one could understand what exactly was happening, they just fulfilled orders and execute what they had trained for years.
The shields appeared to be holding. They sustained 10% of energy loss from the impact but the generators were renewing the layers so it was increasing defense power as time passed. The cannons were also amazingly powerful and fully functional.
-Remind me to thank the maintenance crew. Never doubted their skills. – Habak was smiling.
-I wonder what will they come up with, sir… - The Lieutenant was somehow confident but still scared. Even though he knew the Commander wouldn’t budge, he decided to try one more time- Even if they don’t succeed attacking us, they can blockade us…
-You are right, Lieutenant! – The Commander was surprisingly agreeing – Send an alert to the Imperial Security Channel before they can completely disrupt our communications. Any nearby ship should come to our aid.
-Sir, we’re too far, it could take days.
-The station will hold, we got supplies for many months.
-Are we to seriously consider making a stand in a blockade, sir? If the war is truly over, this could be in vain.
The Commander didn’t reply. He was becoming aggravated and didn’t reply to the Lieutenant.
-Add to the distress signal that I wish to have an Imperial Officer escorted back to Coruscant for a Court Martial. – The Captain turned to face Sweshar – Don’t make it two officers, Lieutenant!
As the captain left the bridge, Sweshar looked at him with suspicion. One day this man was an experienced Commander maintaining the men he so trusted in line, now he was destroying any trust the man had in him. It appeared the Commander was loosing it under pressure. Something had to be done! But later!
-The First Officer, has the control, I will investigate the damage throughout the base. Carry on! – The Commander left signaling a group of engineers to follow him.
He was leaving? Now? How much trust this man had in these old shields? What were the Rebels thinking next? Sweshar was feeling the pressure.
-I want every monitor we have on those ships! Every move reported, any action recorded. – Sweshar jumped to the communications officer – I want you to send a distress call to the fleet.
The Communications Officer looked at the Lieutenant with disbelief.
-I am monitoring enemy communications, sir…
-I know, this won’t take long… Believe me, it’s better to call for those ships.
The Officer recognized the importance of this call. He whispered.
-We’re making a stand here, sir? With the war over? We might as well lower those shields and let…
-Keep that kind of comments to yourself, I want the men united and mindful.
-Yes Sir! But with all due respect, the Commander isn't acting normally! He must be called to reason!
-That's enough Getam! One more word and I'll have you locked for insubordination!
-Lieutenant! You have to do something! Captain Nar is locked away, you'll go next. Why? Because the captain knows you're right! And he is putting away the competition. The war is over! This is pointless!
The Lieutenant looked around to find the men concentrated in the panels and not listening to the two officers in their private conversation. He approached Getam.
-Look, Ord, I know this may sound strange, but the Commander is doing the right thing. For what is worth, the rebels are our enemy. They must be lying! We need to trust the Commander! He won't fail us. I trust him! - He lied... for the good of the whole chain of command, but he knew Getam was right. But now was not the time - We have a crisis at hands, in war or not. Do your best to keep the men focused.
-Very well.
Sweshar went away to the Command chair. As he checked the monitors, the enemy ships were moving in a confused pattern.
-What are they doing, Corporal?
Corporal Sen-Har, Radar Officer was as confused as the Lieutenant.
-It seems they are repositioning the ships, sir. I just don't know for what reason.
As the main heavy ships moved, the smaller ones converged to the front sector of the Outpost, it seems they were positioning themselves to cover the hangars. Typical blockade maneuver, no one would leave the Outpost. But the main ships, those were moving in a strange pattern.
-Sir! They're blocking us!
-I see it corporal! Arm the main hangar blasters. We need to make safe passage in case we need to escape.
-Sir, should we drain energy from the Defense Cannons or the Shield?
-From the Cannons, it seems they don't make much of a difference...
A low level hum was heard while the main Defense Cannons were drained from full power and the Heavy Blasters mounted just above the V-Wing Hangars were armed.
They waited. No attack occurred.
-"Bridge, this is Target Command, Request permission to open fire, sir! We got them all trained in our scopes". - A radio transmission interrupted their silence.
-Stand down, Officer! We need all the resources we can get, Don't waste the power, they can outmaneuver the blasts. We need to do it when we get the evacuation ships ready!
-"Yes, sir!"
"This is a diversion" he thought. The bigger ships were preparing something for sure. They needed to prepare for a possible evacuation.

-What is the meaning of this? - Commander Habak had returned from his inspection he was looking at the gauges - Why aren't the Main Cannons fully powered?
-Sir, they moved to the front sector and appear to be aiming our hangars. If the shields fail, we'll loose any means of evacuation!
-The shields will not fail, let them throw all they got against us. Re-route the power to the Defense Cannons. They're the only thing we got that's keeping them away from landing in the asteroid to commence a land attack. Fire those cannons at them! Keep them away! This is a decoy!
-Very well, sir! Full power on the main Cannons. - As the order was fulfilled the low level hum was back. - Prepare them to Fire.
The Lieutenant was furious. A fury that burned inside. The Commander was stubborn to make a stand. Sweshar knew that they had to make a safe passage to a possible evacuation, it's protocol in blockade situations. These rebels would fire everything they had, and they needed an escape plan. No point arguing, though. It was time to act.

Before anyone could do or say anything, the heavy Rebel ships fired several blasts again.
Every one grabbed something to prepare for impact.
But something was different. The blasts didn't approach the Outpost itself, somewhere else. The asteroid's surface.
The impact was much lighter, but still strong, affecting the Asteroid ground with an immense tremor. In the few seconds these tremors lasted the lights and instruments shimmered.
Habak didn't understand at first. But then he figured the severity of all this.
-The third reactor is underneath the ground in sector 2-14! How could they know that? - Sweshar was scared.
- Relax, Lieutenant, the reactor is buried deep down, no blast could do any damage.
-And if the Asteroid's surface is becoming cracked?- Sweshar had no reply, but the Commander's expression said it all.
Everyone was petrified. This was a weakness. A weakness the engineers failed to address. They sent in droids to analyze, but still they moved slowly to come up with a solution. They were under orders of Captain Nar. That Officer just had another point to be addressed in court.

The Rebel ships fired again, this time the impact was much stronger. All the sensors and instruments went flashing and the lights shutdown. Reactor number 3 was destroyed, every system fed by it was dead. Part of the shield was also lost. The floor rumbled so much the men fell from their chairs.
-All reactors concentrated on feeding the shield. - Habak was yelling to the scared men. The whole bridge was in chaos.
-Sir, in order to maintain full power on the shields we'll need to shutdown several functions. We'll loose the cannons, we can strike now or loose them! -Sweshar knew the answer.
-Shut them down! Just leave the Life Support system.
-Right Away sir.
As the main shields came back to full power, most of the other systems were lost. Just one console was fully powered, the Communications console, which was activated by another incoming message. It was Ken'horr again.
-"And know, Commander, we shall discuss the terms of your surrender. Your battle station is crippled and your men are scared. Spare their lives. I'll give you some time to think about it!"
The screen went blank again. Habak was tired and hurt. Still he raised and cleaned the dust from his uniform.
- Damage Report! - He ordered to the intercom.
One by one, all stations had something to report, mostly power loss. Since all compartments were sealed with blast doors, the access to the third reactor wasn't affected by it's destruction, still there was some men on the floor, fainted. Marines reached them.
-"They appear to be alright, but they passed out, sir." - A Marine Trooper was reporting - "We request a medical team to come down here, sir, one appears to have radiation wounds".
-Radiation? Are you reading any leaks?
-"No sir. Perhaps he was pulled out from the closing blast doors by the other men, during the explosion".
-We'll send a medical party.
-"Aye, Sir"
-Sweshar, you're the best doctor in this Outpost, you will go with the medical crew.
-I truly wish to help those men sir, but I request I remain here helping you deal with this. The Medical crew is skilled enough to handle this, I'm sure...
-Request denied. You have your orders.
Once again Sweshar was burning inside. This was outrageous. For the first time in his career as an Imperial Officer, he had the chance to fulfill his dream of Commanding a Battle Station. Even if it was a temporary situation. After his decision to drain power from the cannons, he only wished his medical training had once again relegate him out of the Command Bridge. Hopefully he would help those men and return to his post. But something told him this wasn't the case. Habak felt his weak judgment.
But he buried those thoughts now. Above all, he was an officer that could not be influenced by feelings.

Lieutenant Rudolph Sweshar achieved the Highest score in the Officer Academy in Coruscant. He was pointed out by Grand Moff Tarkin himself to the highest honor a cadet could receive: The Imperial "Man of Trust" award. In every field he was brilliant.
One day, however, due to the high number of active officers he was given a choice to join the Imperial Intelligence or be recruited for the Combating Fleet. It wasn't an easy choice. If he chose to remain in Coruscant to join the Intelligence squad, he would be put behind a desk for the rest of his life. If he was to join the Imperial Navy, however, he would reach his dream, but with the expense of joining with a low level rank of Second Lieutenant.
He served aboard several Star Destroyers, until the Officers found him to be a threat to themselves and started to assign him with less important tasks.
Then there was a call for Officers with medical experience, when several physicians perished in the many battles against pirates, scoundrels and now the rebels. Even though that wasn't his ideal career, it would put him closer and above the chain of command. Closer to his objective of becoming a commanding officer, something he had tasted today. He had graduated as a Doctor in General Practice, and was easily selected.
To avoid the bloody battlefields he enlisted himself in Bases and Outposts. Little did he know he would end up here, the war was apparently over and he was serving an insane officer.
-It needn't be like this, Officer.
The voiced echoed in the corridor of the officers quarters. He didn't need to look to see who it was speaking from the room, where two Marine Troopers guarded the door.
-When an officer is locked away he must be... Locked... Troopers! - Sweshar was speaking to the troopers not stopping from his errand- Close that door.
-They won't do it, I ordered them to open it, I am a commanding officer.
-It seems, Captain Nar, that you are no longer integrated in the Chain of command - Sweshar finally stopped to face Captain Nar. He ordered the rest of the medical team to keep walking to their assignment- I am the First Officer of this Battle Station. We're not in the middle of some republic debate, so this isn't open to discussion.- He was clearly making a stand for those Marines.
-Really? I wonder when will Habak loose it completely to make you realize how serious this is, Doctor. Don't you care for these two Marine's opinion?
-Opinions are not of my concern. Not now. When this is over we will all be called to straight things out. Right now we are busy with much important things than your ego.
-I know you and I never got to talk. After all, my assignment here, has put your promotion farther away. I apologize. It wasn't my fault. You must believe me, I didn't wish to come to this place.
-I must go...
-Wait! Those men aren't ill.
-You're a Doctor now?
-They are under my orders. They're Ok. I just needed to talk to you, so I arranged this small diversion.
Sweshar was silent, he had heard of Nar's plots in other assignments. It seems the Emperor enjoyed his schemes. But for some reason, he wasn't successful all the time.
-A sane Commander wouldn't send you out on this errand, not now. This was an excuse to remove you silently and replace you for another officer. This is the evidence of his mad terror for questioning his position.
-And why are you so interested?
-The war is over. We should surrender. You and I know this. Besides this could be your chance! The Rebels often recruit former Imperial Officers for their ranks. The secret of war is not an issue anymore.
-The war isn't over. That's a trick to makes us stand down.
-Ah! So you don't know about the message we received this morning.
-I know there was a message. There's always a scheduled one. But I didn't have the time to read it.
-Forget it, the Commander erased it. He didn't want the men to know its content.
-And I suppose you know?
-I am the First Officer, I read the messages as the Captain also does. Only this time the message was so serious he deleted it.
-What was it?
-It was Moff Jerjerrod. He informed us of a historical fact... In one of the most amazing moves of the Force, The Death Star was... destroyed... The Rebels had won and he had escaped in time to transmit in the Emperor's secure channel. Don't you see? The Commander knew all about it! He's insane! His pride will kill us all!
-That's impossible. We still have some feed from Coruscant.
-But no messages!
-Were very far, messages take more time to travel and...
-Believe what you want to believe. This is the truth. Besides, Habak know that if the Rebels enter this base they will find some... sensitive material in the vault. So I guess he just wants destroy it and die alongside it...
-What sensitive material?
-Release me, and I will show you.
-It seems you are already free...
-The door is open, but... -He took an artifact from his table and threw it towards the Lieutenant. Before he could reach the officer, it was electrocuted to pieces in mid air revealing a small energy field - I'm sure the Commander himself is controlling this. Besides, The men could take my release as an act of mutiny.
-From you, this wouldn't be strange, at all.
-Even so. The Marines are loyal to me. Find a way to replace Habak and release me, and I will make sure you are rewarded by the Emperor himself.
-There's rumors about your methods.
-I'm in no position to lie, here...
-Those rebels out there?
-I contacted them. They would allow me safe passage back to Coruscant, no questions asked.
-What did you trade?
-Blueprints of the base, including the weak protection of Reactor 3.- Nar smiled...
-Traitor! Men died for this!
-Traitor to what? Habak is hiding... something... from you and me in that vault! He knows its value! So do the Rebels. Palpatine and his Empire are gone! Let's give the Rebels what they want. Save our lives... and guarantee our future in the process!
-You are no better that Ken'horr! You're a rebel traitor! I hope it's true the war is over, because if it's not I will personally make sure you are prosecuted!
-Why would those ships come all this way to this insignificant Outpost?- Nar was pointing to the window.
-No matter what their motives are. No matter what Habak is protecting, They're the enemy, with or without war. They would never do it without an insider. But this will come to an end soon. I bet the Emperor has already sent his ships here! He will make you an example!
-Are you willing to bet your life on that? - Nar approached the energy field as if he would cross it - Are you willing to bet these men's lives?
Sweshar looked to the two Marines who looked back at him behind their helmets. He couldn't resist to the fact that Nar had a point about the Commander, that he had nothing to lose, the Marines were with him and there wasn't much hope that help would come in time.
Sweshar was confused, but he knew that this blockade was a slow death if the war was indeed over. He wouldn't risk to wait and find out. He faced Nar again.
-If I do release you... What will you do?
-I will open the vault, remove what's inside and give it to the rebels! In exchange I'll ask for a full pardon for us and the men, and a request to go back to Coruscant to join the Alliance.
-Changing masters? They'll never agree on that!
- Ken'horr is with us!
"Us"... Nar used the word well, he felt Sweshar was sold...
-I must think about it. -A few seconds passed while Sweshar was digesting all this, he felt owned and powerless - If this is all just one of your schemes I will have your head.
The Marines suddenly moved to face the Lieutenant. Nar went back to the shadows inside his room. His voice was somehow enhanced by the menacing posture of the two Troopers.
-My young officer, your threats don't bother me now. I will be released with or without your help. I was just extending an opportunity. If you don't take it, others will. You see... -Nar approached once more the energy field - ...life is much more important than ideals...
The conversation was interrupted with the Medical Party returning with some hover-stretchers carrying the pretense wounded. He joined them back to the sick bay.
-I will expect your call, Lieutenant - Nar was smiling to the First Officer.
Sweshar didn't answer he was just lost in so many thoughts, he couldn't pronounce a word.

Reaching the sick bay, Sweshar tapped the Marines on the stretchers.
-You can go now. Report to your quarters! Take these bacta tanks and pretend you are using them to restore yourselves. By tomorrow resume your activities.
-If there is a tomorrow - One of the Marines replied before leaving the infirmary.
The First Officer decided not to reply. He looked back to the medical staff. They were speechless and confused.
-No word about this! This was just a drill. You did well, gentlemen.
The men seemed not to believe the Lieutenant. But he wouldn't loose time with them, he had other issues at hand.
Returning to the dark bridge, the Commander was now writing something in his data log, beside him the remote control to what appeared to be an energy locking system, probably Nar's.
The Command Center was now cold since most of the heating systems lost power to feed the shields.
There was some silence, only interrupted by the men reading the gauges, reporting to the supervisors and updating the enemy ships moves. No one noticed Sweshar entering the bridge. No one, except the Commander.
-How are the men? - He asked.
-They're fine. They fainted due to the impact, no serious problems.
-Radiations?
-Traces. Nothing dangerous. We isolated the site anyway.
-Good job! - Another moment of silence the Commander was listening to the frequent reports and kept writing whatever he was writing in his log. - Anything else, Lieutenant?
- No sir... I will resume my post. I would like a briefing of what happened when I was gone.
-That won't be necessary, Sweshar. You can report back to your previous post. I have assigned another officer to your post. You are needed in the sick bay. That's were you belong.
Sweshar felt colder now. As if ice was flowing down his back.
-With all due respect, sir! May I ask the reason for this?
-You lack the experience. I read your profile... Young and prosperous. Nothing more. Your decision almost killed us all.
-I wanted to create a path for a possible evacuation! You can't withdraw that possibility. If the was is over we will die here, cold and starving... - Sweshar started to speak in a louder tone - And I think you are not even considering the possibility that you can be wrong!
Habak looked around to see all his men looking at them.
-Mind your panels, men! - The men didn't obey. Habak felt he was loosing a battle. He raised from his chair to face the men - There's enemies out there! We need to be alert until reinforcements arrive! - The men didn't move.
-Sir, I believe I speak on the behalf of all men here, that you are not considering the odds properly, and can't accept the fact that we might die for a lost cause.
- Lost cause? The Emperor will have your head for this! -He turned back to the men. Sweshar took the opportunity to get the remote control - Carry on! I'm the Commanding Officer! - The men didn't move again.
-Sweshar! This is mutiny! You will join Nar in the Court Martial! Do you hear me?
-There will be no Court Martial... you are insane, Captain! Come to your senses. We lost this battle!
- No! Marines! I am declaring Martial Law in this Outpost, place Lieutenant Sweshar under custody in his quarters too. - He walked back to reach his remote control. Nowhere to be found.- Where is it? - He asked Sweshar - Where is it? Give it to me! It belongs to the Commanding Officer! Give it to me!
-It seems that you are no longer in Command, Captain Habak! - Captain Nar was entering the bridge, accompanied by a full platoon of Marines. - As the Second highest ranking Officer I am placing you under arrest for improper conduct and mental disorder.
- This man is a prisoner to face Court Martial. Take him back to his room, at once! - Habak was sweating and screaming now. He turned to Sweshar - This IS a mutiny! Marines arrest these men and everyone else not accomplishing my orders.
The Marines did walk down, not to arrest the two officers, but Habak himself. He didn't allow the Marines to grab him and they had to use force to secure him. The Captain fought with all his strength until a Marine hit him in the face with the back of his rifle. He passed out. Nar cowardly approached his blood-red face.
- I had enough of you, Habak! - Nar reached the captain's pocket to take what looked like a key. In that split second the Captain woke up and grabbed Nar's neck... The Marines aimed their weapons but where hesitant to fire.
-Shoot him! - Nar ordered while he choked... - Do it!...
Sweshar witnessed all this and reached the fighting men, but only to be halted by a nearby Marine who aimed his own rifle at him.
-You don't want to do that, sir! - Sweshar didn't move - Please, sir!
As Sweshar backed up, he turned his eyes away and heard Captain Nar scream one more order to make the Marines shoot the Commander.
One single shot echoed in every man's nerves was heard... then... complete silence.
- Take him away! - The Marines complied with a swift move and took the body back to the sick bay. They moved fast. No need for more spectacle.

Every man inside the bridge were shocked.
Every man except Nar. He turned back to the Lieutenant still massaging his neck. -You did well, Sweshar!
-Did I? - He couldn't be too elaborate in his speech.
-Of course! Now we will contact the Rebels and negotiate our escape. But before that, we will go to the vault together, to unveil its content. -There was an hesitant moment, then Nar continued - Well, First Officer, it seems you're in charge now... the orders?
Sweshar didn't know what to believe. Whatever it was inside that vault was so important to Nar he was willing to let go of his obvious post of Commander, almost too hard to believe that whatever it was, he would give it freely to the Rebels. He was willing to kill to have it...
Although disgusted, there was little Sweshar could do... for now...
-First, I want to know what is it!
-If only I knew.- Nar was good liar, but Sweshar knew better - We will find out together. These Rebels want this badly! So it must be very important to them.
- Very Well! - "Let's play the game a bit more" he thought - Lieutenant Getam has the Command. I will be in the vault. Keep me briefed. - He turned to Nar - I need the captain's insignias to access the vault.
-Well, sir... you can follow the body... - His disgusting sarcasm was unbearable, still Sweshar had to find strength to smile.
When he entered the infirmary he looked around his instruments and grabbed a metal box. He opened it to reveal a small blaster. "I knew it would become handy", he thought. Nar approached the door, just in time after Sweshar hid the gun in his pocket-
-Shall we? - Said the Captain.
-We shall! - Said Sweshar, taking the Commander's insignias from his body.

The two Officers walked to the vault escorted by a couple of remaining Marines. There was something strange about the way the Marines were so loyal to Nar. He sensed that those guarding the door of Nar's room, would obliterate him when he was talking to Nar. These seemed to be no different. Nar had spilled some poison on them too. They could turn on him anytime. Or could they?
The Vault room was strangely guarded by some more Marines. In a Red Alert situation like they were, these Marines should be placed in their battle stations.
-I had to protect our interests. - Nar unveiled who was behind this Marine assignment. - The Captain would destroy it when he had the chance.
Anxiety grew in Sweshar. Not only did he go against several major rules in Officer Conduct but now he was about to steal Imperial Property. He made sure Nar didn't have another trick.
-Marines, get back to your stations, the Captain and I shall open the vault. Its contents are classified.
The Marines stood there a few moments until Nar nodded at them and they obeyed, apparently. Two remained while the others went away. They turned around the corner and halted. They would be close.
-I see you know how to hold a leash. - Sweshar said and Nar laughed.
- Would you like to have the honors? - He handed the Lieutenant the vault key.
Sweshar refused. He couldn't open the door while holding a blaster concealed in his uniform.
Nar agreed and placed the key in the lock. There was some strange crackle sounds then a droid optical arm emerged from the left side.
-"Identification Please!"
-Ah... Captain Nar and Commander Sweshar to access the vault.
The machine seemed to process the information.
-"I'm sorry, Captain Nar, but your names do not compute. Only Commander Habak can access with that key!"
-Yes, but the Captain is unavailable, and the protocol states that the First Officer, as the second in command be promoted to Commander to access the vault in his absence.
Another minute passed. The Droid moved down to see Sweshar wearing Habak's Commanding Officer Insignias.
-"Lieutenant Sweshar, I can identify your insignias as Commander. Do you authorize the opening of this vault?"
Sweshar hesitated. He was not so sure now, he needed to violate yet another Imperial law.
-Well sir? - Nar was impatient, he pointed out to the ceiling - Enemy ships are out there, we must do this!
-Carry on, Open the vault! - Sweshar's response was followed by the retraction of the droid optical arm and some more crackling sounds. The vault door opened.
As Nar stepped forward, Sweshar pulled the blaster from his pocket.
-No funny tricks, Captain.
-Ah! Your life insurance. - Nar wasn't surprised. - No point having that, we're on the same side, now.
-Even so...
The two stepped inside the dark room. Some emergency lights ignited giving its inside an indigo blue tone.
There was so many items inside, Sweshar couldn't distinguish whatever these Rebels needed.
He found bags of credits from the taxation of routes, many artifacts and weapons confiscated throughout the time. There was even some outfits like a complete Mandalorian Warrior suit, with weapons and jet-pack.
In one corner he found many wild animals stuffed like trophies. His attention was captured to a cylindrical metal object... an old lightsaber...
Although Sweshar browsed the vault like searching for something, Nar was not looking around but aimed directly to a shelf in the front wall. It appeared to be some sort of a box. Perhaps the less appealing object in the room, but still Nar walked forth and picked it up.
-This is it! - He said. - We can now contact the Rebels. THIS is our life insurance.
Sweshar looked at the box with disbelief, it looked like any other piece of Kashyyyk wood he ever saw.
-Open it! - He ordered.
-I don't think I should, it's contents are...
-Do it! - He joined his blaster to the order.
-Alright. - Nar placed the box back in the shelf and opened it. Inside there was several small pyramid shaped objects. They all looked the same, but Nar picked one of them without hesitating. Sweshar noticed it was the only one that had a small glow inside it, a faint red light that grew stronger as Nar gave it to Sweshar.
-What is this? - Sweshar asked.
-Ah... This is an old artifact. It appears to belong to the Emperor himself. It bears Sith marks.
-Sith? This is a Sith Artifact?
-It appears to be a holocron. I thought the Jedi had destroyed all of them. The others inside the box are all decoys. Fakes... but this one... - Nar picked the small object from Sweshar’s hands to raise it to the bluish light. -... this one will give the Galaxy to the ones who hold it…
Sweshar felt uneasy before all this sudden knowledge of the Sith, Nar appeared to have. He didn’t seem too surprised to find it. He understood the situation. Nar wouldn’t fool him anymore.
This object was not Nar’s to have. Nor should he give it to the Rebels. Even if the Emperor was dead, this didn't belong in the hands of some rogue former Imperial Officer. It was too powerful… He could… feel it…
-Put it back in the box, Nar. I'll take it. There will be no bargain with the Rebels.
-What? You can't be serious, this is of no value to us! If they want it and if it means to save our lives, then let it be so!
-No! Put it back! This belongs in the hands of those who can control it. If the wrong person ever uses it, its power is enough to obliterate life itself. It belongs here for now.
Nar put it back in the box, when Sweshar aimed the blaster a bit higher.
-We should take it to those who can do good with it, or destroy it, Nar. We’re not worthy of such power!
Nar was surprised by the depth of the Lieutenant's words. But he wasn’t moved. His expression changed, he had that arrogant expression again as he signaled the Marines to enter vault and aim their blaster to the Lieutenant.
-I knew you would be weak! Drop you weapon! There's no way out of this vault.
But Sweshar had other plans. He kicked one of the shelves and all objects fell over the Marines.
He fired his weapon for cover fire while Nar tried to grab the box.
Sweshar fired his blaster hitting Nar in the shoulder knocking him to the floor in pain.
While the Marines helped Nar up, Sweshar made another move by hitting the fire detector that activated the Fire Control System, and grabbed the box.
All lights went out and the door started to close. Nar and another Marine jumped out, just in time before the door closed. Nar looked back as the door closed... He smiled...

Outside Nar could hear shots being fired as he imagined the Marine Troopers inside fired their guns against Sweshar... Suddenly there was silence...
Nar approached the lock again and placed the key once more. The crackling sound of the droid arm was heard but before it could say anything, the Captain said:
-Open the Door! The Commander is trapped inside!
-"I'm sorry, Captain Nar, but your name does not compute. Only the Commander can access with that key!"
-No! You will open the door at once!
-"I'm sorry, but..."
Nar grabbed on of the Marines rifle and blasted the droid into pieces. He turned to the Marines.
-Open that door, blast it if you have to!
-Sir, the only way in, was through the Defense Droid you just blasted. And that door is made of Zenium, we have no tools to cut it.
-Blow it!
-In order to do so, we would endanger the whole station with a 2.5 point Blast. And we couldn't say its contents would survive.
Nar was furious... He screamed in his frustration!
-FINE! Let him die inside!
As he said this, he heard some more noises coming from the inside of the vault. All the Marines outside aimed their weapons to the door. No one could really say what was that noise, but it seemed the door's lock was becoming orange... then bright yellow... the lock was melting...
-You just told me no weapon could open that!
The Trooper didn't answer, in his point of view, what he was looking at was impossible.
As the Zenium finally melted, the lock fell on the floor with a large clang sound. The door slowly opened to reveal a dark room where no person could be distinguished. Except a bright neon blue light with the distinguishable sound of a Lightsaber. The only weapon capable of cutting the hardest Zenium steel.
The Lightsaber was turned off.
The Marines waited. No one said a word.
Suddenly two bright spots ignited. It was a pair of flaming rockets. A figure jumped out of the vault and blasted several Marines as it jumped forth in a fast speed. It was a person in a Mandalorian suit. Whoever was inside fiercely fired his twin guns until there was only one person left by the vault door: Nar!
-Sweshar! You'll never get away with this!
Behind the Mandalorian suit, the Lieutenant smiled.
-I always wondered how Boba Fett could see behind this mask....
-Ken'horr will never allow you to live!
-We'll see!

Sweshar moved the Captain back to the bridge always aiming his gun at Nar's neck. As he crossed the halls and corridors back to the Command post, the Marines were both intrigued by the Lieutenant's suit but also confused on what to do, now that Nar was being captive.
Lieutenant Hoger met the two men and ordered the Marines:
-Hold your fire, you might hit the Captain! – Intrigued he followed the Lieutenant to his destination.
They reached the bridge and Sweshar finally removed the Mandalorian helmet.
-Contact the Rebel ship use Captain Nar's private channel. Tell them he wishes to send the following update… - He pulled the Captain to face him. - Tell them it's over, you have the object and you will deliver it to them at once. Guarantee that safe passage you promised to ALL of us. I'll let you live!
-Never!
Sweshar aimed one of the guns and fired at the Captain's left leg. Nar screamed in pain...
-You were saying?
-Argh! Never! Marines, help me! - The Marines were aiming at the Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Hoger took the men’s side aiming against Sweshar but made a “hold” signal.
-Stand down, men! Captain Nar is a traitor. He was about to sell this Sith Holocron to the Rebels! - Sweshar took the box and threw it to the closest console, it opened itself revealing the holocron - They will destroy this base and you inside it. They just came for this!
-He lies - Nar screamed with all his pain...
-Ken'horr his is associate! They planned to take this artifact from the most well defended Outpost where they knew no weapon could breach. The Emperor chose this Outpost as it was the Empire’s Pride! A symbol! You men were chosen to guard it so well as you did all this time. The only way to do it was to give them the blueprints so they could find a weakness. Then, he realized the Captain was mentally unstable and he used that to allure me and you to follow him! – He faced the Captain again. - No more tricks Nar! You're the lowest scum!
-He's fooling you, men! Fire your weapons.
The Marines were confused. In this tension, one of the troopers fired his blaster against Sweshar's shoulder. The Mandalorian suit repelled the blast but it was enough to knock both Sweshar and Nar to the floor...
-Hold your fire! - Lieutenant Hoger ordered!
Sweshar aimed the guns at Nar again...
But he stopped when a transmission from the Rebels ignited the main communications screen. It was Ken'horr.
-"Juak? Are you there? Do you have it?" - It appeared no one was in range of the holo-transmission so Ken'horr wasn't seeing anyone. - "Juak?".
Lieutenant Hoger was standing next to the Captain. He looked at Ken'horr's face and back to Nar's. Captain Nar was in pain, but was still able to resume his arrogant posture.
-Help me up, Lieutenant!
Hoger raised him and placed the Captain in range for the transmission.
-Yes, Admiral. I am here. I... - As the Captain started to talk he felt an object touching his back, it was the unmistakable feeling of a blaster aiming at him. Hoger whispered to his hear.
-Tell him what the Lieutenant ordered you...
Nar was shocked...
-"Well, Juak? Do you have the artifact?"
Nar wasn't talking until Sweshar moved next to him and aimed his gun to the right leg...
-Yes! I have it... - His voice came out faint - The day is ours!
-"Good! Now let's finish this, take a shuttle back to my ship. Don't forget to lower the shields."
Hoger pressed the blaster harder to Nar's Back.
-Admiral, It think we can let these men go and blast the Outpost only when its empty. There’s no point killing them...
-"What? Have you gone soft on me, now? You were the one who had the idea to kill them just in case they decided to question you behavior..."
All the men inside the bridge were looking at Captain Nar who knew this was his last hope to survive.
-Yes, but it doesn't seem rational now. Most of them will die wondering in space anyway. Besides, with the Captain dead, they won't have a Commander to follow...
-"And that Doctor?"
-Dead too, I killed him myself! – Nar could feel Sweshar laughing.
-"Very well, then! Just get back to our ship so that we may leave."
-Ask him which one! - Sweshar whispered to Nar.
-Which one, my Admiral?
-"I thought I told you I had some tricks up my sleeve" -Saying this, all ships shimmered as if they were holo-transmissions having an interference. Decoys. All shimmered but one, a Calamari Class Interceptor, apparently the only real ship - "Make sure your men don't get suspicious about this!"
-Yes! I will.
-"And, Nar?"
-Sir?
-"Bring the Captain's Insignias for my Trophy Room!"
-As you wish.
The image went blank.
The disgust from everyone's face was felt. Nar understood these were his last few moments. He closed his eyes and expected certain death. He felt a hit on his right leg that made him kneel. At least he would die honorably. But nothing happened.
-We'll let you live. You saved us, we owe you that. - There was a brief silence, Nar didn't die. Sweshar's voice was heard again- All men to the shuttles, we are leaving. - He ordered.
Nar couldn't believe it. He opened his eyes to see the men leaving the bridge. Two Marines helped him up. Nar was speechless.
Sweshar picked the black wooden box and offered it to Nar.
-You can take this to your friend, it's of no use for us now.
Nar smiled. After his betrayal, not all was lost, he needn't feel the Admiral's wrath. He tried to reached for it, but Sweshar brought the box back.
-No, no! Not like that. - Nar felt another hit, a Marine knocked him unconscious...

In the main Hangar at Outpost 34, Lieutenant Sweshar was looking at the crowd entering the shuttles and other ships. He made sure no man stayed behind, not even the Commander's body that was placed in the cargo hold of one of the ships.
He ordered the men to empty the main vault of all the valuable items which could come in handy in case they had to land for supplies during their journey back to the inner sectors.
His attention was caught for a ship departing the Hangar. Nar's shuttle was on its way.
-Lieutenant, here is the Commander Habak's remote, we made the programming that you requested. All shields have been dropped and power set, as requested, to the Cannons.- Lieutenant Hoger approached him.
-Good job, Hoger. You've done well today.
-Not quite, sir - Hoger looked at the Nar's shuttle, now far away in the asteroid's landscape.
-Don't blame yourself, Nar is a man full of tricks. - He raised the remote, changing subjects. - What's the range on this?
-Not much sir!
-We'll need to be careful.
A voice was heard from the other side of the hangar.
-All set, Lieutenant.
-Right! - He walked back with Hoger to his own Shuttle. He picked the small commlink in his pocket - All ships, power up and follow our lead.
At the ship's ramp he looked behind to the Outpost... A desolate place now... The Empire's Pride was now as good as dead.

Entering the ship he held a small bag. "The last resort" he thought. If the war was truly over, the Galaxy would be a bad place for an Imperial officer and his "private army", in his mind a plan was forming, new life... But his projects were sent away by the pilot’s voice.
-Lieutenant, which course shall we take?
-No course for now. We'll just move forward and away. - He looked at the remote... It appeared he made some mental calculation, then he continued, - Any time now! We should take-off!

Inside the "Seeker", Admiral Ken'horr followed the incoming Shuttle and eagerly waited for its valuable cargo.
-Sir, several ships are leaving the hangars, should we open fire? - A Radar operator called the Admiral.
-Do they have hyperspace capabilities?
-No sir, they are old Shuttles, poorly armed, and some V-Wing fighters.
-Let them be. We will hunt them down to destroy them. I enjoy hunts, - he smiled - Besides, I want that holocron in my hands...
-As you wish, Admiral!
The Shuttle was close and now the tractor beam of the Calamari class ship was directing it to the main hangar.
Ken'horr had a whole squad of troopers form up in this important occasion when finally he would have one of the most powerful objects to unveil the mysteries of the Force. A weapon beyond any imagination.
The Shuttle landed on the platform and the main door opened. No one exited.
-Captain Nar?
No answer came from inside.
-You two! - He pointed at two soldiers- Go inside and bring me the Holocron! - The Admiral grew impatient.
A few seconds later, the two men brought Captain Nar, bruised and with his mouth covered. Tied to his hands was a wooden box.
The Admiral was intrigued but still he ripped the ropes holding the box and took it away. As he walked away e ordered the men to untie the Captain.
Nar was agitated, so to untie him wasn't an easy job. He was impatient as if he was trying to say something.
Ken'horr opened the box to reveal the small pyramid shaped object. It looked as insignificant as an elaborate piece of art, but he knew it to be much more than that. He smiled and called an Officer.
-Maneuver the ship... We have what we wanted.
The Officer picked his commlink and contacted the bridge.
The soldiers were finally able to release Nar that started to scream to the Admiral.
At first, Ken'horr wasn't paying attention. But then he understood the man's impatience. He deciphered the words Nar was screaming: "It's a trap!"
Immediately the wooden box in Ken'horr hand became bright red as the thermal detonator inside it activated itself and blew. Nar jumped to the floor trying to avoid the blast...
All men were knocked to floor.
Nar was left on the floor… No one was there to reach for him… But he was strong. His convictions made him strong. So did his desire for power!
In his pain, he crawled to the Admirals remains and searched for the holocron…
He finally reached the object. It’s healing powers would help him.
But then he realized the object was broken in half… Sith Holocrons were made of the finest and hardest Sith metals… No blast, no matter how strong would brake it so easily… this was one of the fakes…
Captain Juak Nar, severely wounded, was still able to scream out his last word...
-Sweshar…

Inside the running shuttle, Sweshar felt something. He took the small bag again, as if to take a better look at its contents. Inside the real Sith Holocron was glowing brightly now. Sweshar could feel it's power... but he couldn't understand it...
He looked at the scanners the Rebel ship was still maneuvering. The bomb didn't do its work, not entirely.
The Calamari ship was still fully operational and fired all his cannons against the evading starships. They were no match to the powerful cannons.
The small fleet battled for its survival as all warnings came to life when the Calamari cruiser started their blasts against the small ship.
-All wings, evasive maneuvers! - Sweshar would put up a fight for sure.
Some blasts hit a few ships with variable severity, the Lieutenant had to think fast to take the men out of this...
As his shuttle made a 180 turn he picked the Commander's remote control... "This will work! I know it will!" He thought.
He pressed the buttons to no effect... Too far.
-Pilot, take us back to the Outpost!
The pilot didn't understand the reason for such order, but accomplished it, this could be a diversion.
Coming closer to the Outpost they were an easy target to the heavy blasters. Their shield was holding, but not for long.
Sweshar pressed the buttons on the remote with still no effect.
-Closer, we need to be closer!
The pilot nodded and made another pass, now much closer to the Asteroid that still had Outpost 34 in its landscape.
For the Lieutenant’s much satisfaction, the remote now worked and he sent some commands.
He could see the heavy cannons move to the interception of the chasing Calamari ship.
Although threatened, the giant ship continued its pursuit of the evading Imperial Ships, ignoring the Cannons moves.
-Hit the full power, take us out of here! - Sweshar ordered.
The Pilot moved the shuttle away from the outpost, flanking the Rebel ship and to its back. Once again, rain of laser blasts hit the small ship's hull, only this time with much more intensity. The shield wouldn't hold for much longer.
Sweshar grabbed the small remote and watched the countdown end.
In the outpost the Heavy cannons fired against the ship which didn't look like having the shields up. After all there wasn't any serious threat from small ships running away. Easy prey. Or so they thought.
The blasts hit the Rebel Cruiser violently and debris was spotted fleeing the ship.
Inside the shuttle, the men screamed in joy and, through the radio, they could hear the rest of the escaping crews cheering.
But the big Calamari, although bleeding, continued the pursuit.
Sweshar wasn't cheering with the men. His plan wasn’t exactly working. He decided to have another go.
-We're out of range again, we need to make another pass. They're still active!
More confident, the pilot made another turn. But checking his instruments he lost the confidence again.
-Sir, our shields are low!
-Carry on...
Sweshar didn't know if he would make it. But still he didn't hesitate.
The pilot responded with equal courage.
The small shuttle was again at full power back to the Asteroid. The giant Calamari was now just above the outpost. They approached from its back, muffled by the Calamari's enormous engines.
Sweshar pressed the remote again... nothing! They needed to be closer. At the distance the Rebel ship was now, the Outpost’s heavy cannons would inflict a deadly bow. There would be no escape...
Suddenly the Rebel ship made an unexpected move... It stopped...
-Switch all power to the shields, he's going to strike us.
The Rebel ship did power up the blasters only the cannons weren't pointing at Sweshar's shuttle.
The Lieutenant followed the laser beams to its target. Outpost 34 was once more and for the last time, hit with the tremendous blast. The shields weren't up and the three remaining reactors didn't resist this enormous amount of energy. Gigantic fireballs were seen as the “Pride of the Empire” was vaporized into millions of pieces.
Outpost 34 had made its ultimate stand…
Every men in those escaping ships were silent. Although tired of working there, although they just fled from that place where so many emotions were pushed to the limits, that destruction meant much more than a lost Imperial base. It meant the possible last remnant of a presumed falling Empire...
The last piece of resistance was now reduced to a small group of easy targets... The Empire’s last breath relied on those men... And the odds weren't good.
But they became worse.
-Lieutenant! - The pilot was screaming - The Calamari is training on us, we cannot out-maneuver this close...
-Do you're best!
-Sir there's more! Several ships approaching the right quadrant, coming from Hyperspace. It's more rebels, sir! They were cloaked by sector 2-14!
-Damn "dead sector"! - Sweshar was frustrated. He couldn't believe Ken'horr came here all by himself. Even with that holo-ships trick. - Full power to shields, we'll aim for their hangar and do the best we can to let those men escape! They got us! But they will need to fight for us!
The small shuttle climbed to reach the Calamari.
Analyzing the scanners he could see two incoming ships out of sector 2-14 with the size of the Calamari cruiser. These ships were making an attack pattern. "Now or never!" he thought.
-FULL THROTTLE!
Outside the Calamari's cannons were fiercely hitting the shield, then the hull.
-We lost the shields... –Hoger was looking at the scanners and pointed them - Sir! The other ships are firing torpedoes.
This was the end... The torpedoes from the other ships were approaching fast. He saw them through the scanners, reaching the ship's path. They were hundreds...
So much firepower on a small ship. They wanted to make sure they wouldn't escape.
-Impact in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2... – Silence… Every man held something instinctively for impact, as if it would mean something.
Nothing... suddenly, the missiles shifted course and avoided the shuttle. The men inside could actually see the missiles passing them. Were they too small to be intercepted?
Sweshar looked closer through the window and immediately he realized what happened...
-Turn the ship 180 degrees, down angle, NOW!
The pilot turned the ship backwards in a split second. Looking at the scanners the men couldn't believe what they were looking at.
The torpedoes hit the Rebel ship's hull tearing it apart in a blast that illuminated the skies around the shuttle. The chain reaction caused the main generator of the Calamari Class cruiser to collapse and then explode in a giant fireball.
It took a while for the shuttle pilot to control the ship after it was hit by the impact wave of the explosion. The Lieutenant’s move, however, saved their lives… or they would be engulfed by the blast.
Inside the shuttle, the men were confused, what happened?
-Sir, the "Seeker" was destroyed by those rebel torpedoes, I don't understand! - Hoger said.
-Those weren't Rebel torpedoes, Lieutenant. In fact, those weren't torpedoes at all. Those were Imperial Interceptor Missiles. "Cruiser Killers".
-Imperial?
Sweshar didn’t have to explain.
Their maneuver had placed them right in front of the other two ships approaching, at first, due to the debris of the “dead sector”, they couldn’t see much.
Then two perfectly distinguishable shapes of Imperial Star Destroyers were identified.
An incoming message was heard on screen.
-“Imperial Ships, this is the Star Destroyer Avenger, we heard your distress call, it appears we came too late”.
-Starship Avenger, this is First Officer Sweshar, not at all! – Sweshar smiled – You came just in time.
-“The Outpost was destroyed…”
-Yes, unfortunately, but all men managed to escape! You’ll find all our ships not so far away.
-“What was the reason of all this?”
-The Rebel Admiral Ken’horr took advantage of the war’s end to attempt a theft.
-“War’s End? It appears the long distance have made you pretentious. Don’t expect to rest much after this, if that’s what you mean. We’re still fighting those Rebels.”
The men looked at each-other. They all understood what this meant. The last of Nar's lies had just been unveiled.
-Well, take us back, so that we may continue our work.
-“We will welcome you in our ship, the other Star Destroyer will reach for your men. In the mean time, we need to move back to the Inner Regions, the communications are awful in this sector. The Emperor himself wants an update on the situation.”
-Yes, I’m sure he does... – Sweshar was now holding the holocron in his hands again…
The cold stone was now shinning with a faint red light…
Sweshar felt not just his skill helped him today…
He wondered if all those tales about a “Force” were true…
Because today…
it felt like it…

The End