TEMPEST SQUADRON
SECOND TO NONE
>>
KWENN STATION // MIDDLE LEVEL / SECURITY > QUARTERDECK
Hale walked into the Security section of the station in order to rouse up some troopers. It was time to apprehend Devereaux. He was greeted by a droid at the front desk, TU-V3 ("Tuvee").
"Greetings, Lord Admiral Hale. How may I be of assistance?"
"I need an ISB security detachment, if there's one available."
"I'm sorry, but the only ISB detachment on the station is Kilo-Sierra-7, and they are currently on patrol. However, Stormtrooper squad Kilo-Sierra-6 and Kilo-Sierra 5 are currently on stand-by. Shall I muster them for you, sir?"
Hale didn't like the idea of using Stormtroopers, because in the event an Imperial officer was to be arrested, the jurisdiction fell to the Imperial Security Bureau. But, at the same time, the whole concept of "protocol" in the Imperial Remnant had become absurd. "Kilo-Sierra-6 will do, thanks."
Within a few minutes, ten Stormtroopers marched onto the Quarterdeck. "Reporting for duty, sir."
"Come with me," replied Hale.
KWENN STATION // COMMAND LEVEL / OPERATIONS CENTER
Hale strutted into the Operations Center command room like he owned the place, which of course he did. His gaze turned upon Devereaux, who was standing over a console with a few officers pointing at random things and uttering station business.
"Governor Trip Devereaux, under the authority vested upon me by the Galactic Empire, which I have carried on through Tempest Squadron, I am hereby annexing Kwenn Station, and assuming command of all of its operations..."
"You can't do this!" yelled Devereaux, slamming his fist onto a console.
"Wrong. Not only are you relieved of duty, but my investigation into your dealings here have compelled me to issue a warrant for your arrest. I'm sure we can sort this out at Security, and if you would come willingly and speak truthfully, leniency will be shown."
Devereaux sighed. "Alright, Lord Admiral," he said, while giving a quick nod to his lieutenant standing beside him. "You give me no choice." As Devereaux gave a slight hand gesture, the Stormtroopers accompanying Hale raised their blaster rifles and pointed them at Hale. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Your forgot that this is my station. My rules. My men."
And this is why I should've kept protocol, Hale thought to himself. ISB wouldn't have done this. Hale raised his hands.
"Hale... my good man... you really have no clue what's going on do you?" asked Devereaux, rhetorically. "Out here, the Hutt Syndicate is the real powerhouse. I'm simply towing the line to keep this slice of the galaxy safe. No different from you. It seems like every officer with the least bit of rank on his sleeve thinks he can take a slice from what's left of the Empire and keep it in his pocket. You think Tempest Squadron is anything special? What about the New Order? Or the Terrors of the Imperium? Or the Imperial Guard? Or the Imperial Legion of Bastion? Or the Imperial High Command, which might I remind you, is 'officially' in charge because they're running Coruscant? Do any of us have any real say anymore?"
Hale sighed. Devereaux did have a point. "How much are the Hutts paying you?"
Devereaux laughed, "oh, you think just because I'm getting kickbacks, I'm suddenly in their pocket? Those slimy bastards can't touch me. They know better."
"Why would they be afraid of you?"
"Oh me? I'm a nobody out here. It's not me they're afraid of. It's Crimson Dawn. And your little stunt at Dathomir unsettled things, in a big way. You see, Lady Kalia had become a top agent in that organization. Now, there's not only a power vacuum, but some plans that were set into motion years ago have now been thrown a curveball."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I am merciful, Lord Hale. I'm willing to give you a way out. Walk away. Leave Kwenn Station to me. Never come back. And leave that bitch Princess Misada here. Crimson Dawn has put a bounty on her head. I'm keen on collecting it..." Devereaux smiled. "In exchange, you get to keep your life and your precious Tempest Squadron."
Hale looked around.
"So, what's it going to be?" asked Devereaux.
Suddenly, the command center went black as the power got cut off. Before Hale could react, he felt a sudden whoosh pressing against his body, which knocked him to the ground. Moments later, a single source of light filled the room, accompanied by a low-frequency hum. It was unmistakably a red lightsaber.
Devereaux panicked, "No, no, no! Not you!" He sprawled to the ground, looking for an alert button. "Kill her!"
The stormtroopers didn't know what to do, but hearing the word 'kill' triggered their training, and they instinctively raised their blasters at the shadowy figure and fired upon her. The blaster bolts were deflected and bounced off the edge of the lightsaber blade as the figure gracefully spun across the floor and began cutting down each stormtrooper one by one. It was a terrible sight to behold...
TO BE CONTINUED
